Chris Taylor’s micro distillery has revived Camden Town’s lost gin-making heritage, 150 years on. But while booze remained a buoyant industry during lockdown, being based canalside, in historic West Yard, came with its own set of challenges.

How has COVID affected your business?
“When Camden Market had to completely shut, suddenly we couldn’t have any access to the distillery. Fortunately we had a lot of stock in our warehouse, so we’ve been ok. My focus switched overnight to driving more online sales. Obviously everyone was switching much of their lives online too, and also drinking more – a 30% national increase on alcohol sales I’ve been told! – so fortunately business hasn’t dried up at all.”

What’s your current offering?
“Camden Market is now open again under social distancing guidelines, and our shop was never really about browsing, anyway. People pop in for a tasting at the counter, buy a bottle and take it home, so our retail aspect hasn’t really changed. We won’t start our gin school sessions again until we sure it’s 100% safe, though. They’re an hour an a half spent in close proximity to others, and we want people to enjoy themselves, which isn‘t going to work if you’re feeling at all uncomfortable.”

What have been your greatest concerns?
“My concern is seeing people’s attitudes to health becoming a bit too relaxed too early. We don’t want to see a second lockdown. Commercially, if we lost the run up to Christmas, that would be really difficult.”