It was an absolute pleasure to visit Maidstone Distillery in Kent as part of an accessible diverse modelling assignment.
The day in Maidstone had begun at Maidstone East Train station. The other models and I enjoyed highlighting the Dinosaur Sculpture at the entrance of the station. Then the group ventured off to a restaurant to showcase their dining experience of atmosphere and good food. The accessible entrance was around the side of the building.
My Whill powerchair soon showed its benefits of navigating around a restaurant full of tables and chairs and other diners. It is so much easier than using a scooter which I would have had to leave outside or somewhere by the exit. But the Whill allows me to stay seated and ride right up to the table and fold the arms down, whilst remaining comfortable and supported.
We then made our way through some light rain to the ornate arches of Market Buildings, this setting is perfect for an afternoon visit for some Gin tasting.
Sam and Darren set up the distillery just before the pandemic began. So they initially produced the perfect hand sanitiser. And now offer 2 locally produced Gins and a toffee liquer. They have some tasty tonic waters too.
We took part in a whistle stop version of the Gin Making Experience with Naomi, which I highly recommend. There are shelves full of botanicals including wildflowers and plants carefully sourced locally from Plantlife botanical conservation organisation. There also is an opportunity to make your own cocktails.
We were surrounded by gleaming copper, and learnt about Napoleon’s history with Gin made in Maidstone through George Bishops famous painting. The Whill powerchair managed effortlessly to navigate around all the tight spaces around the bar area, and distillery. Any mobility scooter would have struggled inside, but the Whill C turns on a sixpence and gets around tight corners with ease.
