A crowdfunding campaign has been launched to bring a working distillery to an East London market.
Spitalfields Market could soon be home to small-batch spirit production, with the distillery planned as an open and visible part of the market experience. Visitors would be able to watch the entire process in real time, from distillation to the final pour.
Led by the team behind ALFI and Player’s Social, the distillery aims to blend tradition with the evolving character of Spitalfields, long known for its traders, makers, and independent businesses.
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Jason Dervin, Spitalfields estate director, said: "Spitalfields has always been shaped by its community, the people, businesses, and makers who bring it to life every day. That sense of shared ownership is what makes this place so special.
"The launch of a distillery on site feels like an exciting and natural next step, creating something new for people to experience together, while staying true to what makes Spitalfields what it is."
The distillery will be housed within ALFI, a restaurant already established as a favourite spot in the market for its natural wines and relaxed atmosphere.
Ben Hodges, part of the founding team behind the distillery, said: "Our goal is simple – to make great spirits locally, be open about how they are made, where ingredients come from, and how sustainability is built into every step, creating something the local community can feel part of."
The team plans to distil gin, vodka, and rum on-site, along with seasonal and limited-release spirits inspired by the energy of the market. Each bottle will include artwork and design elements referencing the market’s 350-year history.
A Crowdcube crowdfunding campaign is now live, offering the community an opportunity to invest in the project. Early backers will gain access to exclusive launch events, tastings, and a first look at the distillery.
The campaign will close on March 30. The distillery is expected to open in late 2026.
The project aims to create a more transparent and sustainable approach to premium spirits by shortening supply chains and keeping production rooted in the community.
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