A LEADING Southend distillery is toasting a tantalising deal to supply its classic gin at south Essex Ask Italian restaurants.

Pigs Bay Distillery is a “revolutionary” business that produces high-end gin, vodka, rums and liqueurs.

The business has now been selected to supply its gin at Ask Italian restaurants in Southend and Lakeside as part of a nationwide campaign.

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Pigs Bay Distillery was found by husband-and-wife Dale and Sandra Smith who aimed to create “premium spirits”, made in Essex.

The gin Ask Italian selected from Pigs Bay Distillery in Southend, is it “London Dry Gin”.

This is distilled within Pigs Bay’s own, still using natural botanicals and the “purest Essex water”.

It is a classic gin with piney juniper balanced by earthy and herbaceous notes from Angelica and Coriander.

Dale said: “Ask Italian had been hunting around for their campaign for local distilleries, which is when we were approached.

“They asked if they could meet with us, talk about the business, as well as testing out the products.

“Ask Italian liked it a lot, and it sort of just happened from there.

“It has now launched in the Southend and Lakeside restaurant as of last week. It has been going really well.

“The first batch actually sold out within a few days, so we have already sent another batch. It is really good for us.

“The business isn’t even a couple of years old yet, so it has been a phenomenal few years.

“The aim is to continue to grow in a controlled way and eventually move into a bigger warehouse, where we can be open to the public, so they can come in, we can host tasting events, people can have tours, and eventually a shop included too.”

Ask Italian has been on a search nationwide to champion gin producers on their menus, with Pigs Bay Distillery being selected for south Essex.

Pigs Bay Distillery was established in 2020 and produces spirits for venues across Southend and Essex as well as selling them online.

Ask Italian marketing director, Corinne Prior, added: “We may be a large family of restaurants, but we know that each Ask community is different  which is why we are excited to be supporting local enterprise by making these connections with local gin suppliers.

“This is for those who live, work, and stay in the neighbourhood to enjoy.”