DESPITE a turbulent year for the hospitality industry, there has been reason to toast success for a new Chester-based spirits brand.

Kingdom Recommends, the brainchild of renowned Chester restaurateur Kingdom Thenga, is celebrating a double awards triumph at the Gin Masters event.

Kingdom's Ginger Spiced Navy Strength took home the Masters award, while Kingdom's London Dry Gin secured a Silver accolade.

Launched in 2008, The Global Spirits Masters rates and rewards excellence in spirits production, giving brands key differentiation in a crowded market.

The Global Spirits Masters is unique in its exclusive use of completely independent expert judges, including journalists, retail buyers, bartenders and educators.

Melita Kiely, editor of The Spirits Business magazine and chair of The Gin Masters 2021 tasting, said: “We’ve all known gin’s popularity has soared over recent years, but to have the chance to taste such a vast assortment of entries from around the world blind, and find so many deserving of top medals, is a testament to the skill and creativity of gin producers today.

“The standard across the board was exceptional – and makes it easy to see why gin lovers continue to favour the category.”

Kingdom made good use of the enforced downtime caused by the Covid pandemic, which forced the closure of bars and restaurants including his own – The Suburbs, The Yard and the Old Dukes sports bar.

He launched Kingdom Recommends, with his team launching the first batch of flavours.

Fast forward six months and the brand not only boasts a long list of stockists in the North West and sponsored high profile events in London, but has recently launched two new spring flavours with more on the way.

He said: “What can I say…the journey continues. We are absolutely humbled, thrilled and honoured to have our gins receive such accolades.

"We honestly believe our gin stands out as a sipping gin or as one with mixer. There are so many people to thank. To our Ubuntu [I am because we are] warriors, we thank you.”

For more information on the brand, visit https://kingdomrecommends.co.uk