As the only historic London dry gin to still be distilled in the heart of the capital, the additional development of the historic Beefeater gin distillery in Kennington will be named Beefeater London – the Home of Gin.

Work will begin later this year to create the 600sq m, two-level journey that also marks a significant milestone in the career of Desmond Payne, Beefeater's master distiller, who has over 45 years' experience.

It will offer visitors to the capital the opportunity to see the gin brand being made and learn about the history of London gin through a series of interactive showcases. Visitors will be able to see, touch and smell the botanicals used within the production process and the experience will culminate in the opportunity to watch the live gin production process in the distillery's cathedral-like stillhouse.

Desmond says: "We have decided to push open the doors for the very first time and share some of those secrets with visitors to London, and locals, who are interested in seeing just how much expertise goes into making one of London's most successful and famous brands."

He added: "The Beefeater gin distillery is one of the city's best kept secrets. This is a magnificent opportunity to celebrate the heritage of gin in London – something that has been at the heart of the capital's history for more than three hundred years. I am proud that Beefeater gin will be the first distiller to tell the full story."