A Summer of Gin and Terrier Racing

It has been a very busy summer for Team PG as we launched our way into the gin world. Alongside getting out and about to local pubs, restaurants and shops we have been attending several local shows and festivals. All have been unique and fun in their own ways. We’ve even had some groupies that have followed us to more than one event. And some visitors to our stand have been more interested in meeting our Head Distiller, Fitzhead Leggett, than chatting about gin.

It started with the Dartmoor Food Festival at Ullacombe Farm, back in June. This was a lovely introduction to events for us. Papillon Gin was launched and it all began.

Next up was Dunsford Show. A boiling hot day which coincided with an England match in the World Cup. Despite these potential obstacles we had a great show. It was our first time grappling with the gazebo so thankfully it wasn’t wet and windy. Highlights were being interviewed by BBC Radio Devon and the Head Distiller winning first in the Puppy Class in the Dog Show.

We then hit the bright lights of Exeter for the Great British Gin Festival. Out of our comfort zone due to being in the city without our Head Distiller and being inside, we soldiered on and had a fun event. We enjoyed the banter with the medical crew from Barnstaple - you know who you are! We are supporting the NHS through gin.

I piggybacked on to the White Hart’s stand at the Chagford Show and we had a lot of laughs sharing space for the day. It gave us the opportunity to discuss the Carnival Cocktail that the White Hart were making with our gin for Moretonhampstead Carnival week. The ‘Butterfly Effect’ certainly put a few people into a chrysalis state for a day or two!

The Moretonhampstead Carnival Food Festival was a super day. Always great to have an event on home turf. Lots of brilliant local support. Fellow Moretonians provided some excellent ‘Quality Control’ sampling for us. I am happy to say we passed muster.

Bank Holiday weekend we crossed to the west side of the moor for an event in the newly renovated Butcher’s Hall in Tavistock. It was a Gin and Ale Festival superbly organised by Miss Ivy. The west siders welcomed us with open arms and Papillon Gin is now available on both sides of the moor.

On the Monday we were back on home territory at the Lustleigh Show. The Head Distiller decided to join us for this event and his supervising skills kept us in line. Until Adam took him terrier racing... I was left at the stand selling gin, happily chatting and giving samples until I saw our Head Distiller on the loose chasing another dog through the show ground. Five minutes went by before he made an appearance again. And then a further few minutes before Adam caught up with him. What a disgrace! No rosettes were won at that show.

Nourish Festival in Bovey Tracey was the following weekend so we had a quick turn around to prepare for it. A very busy and jolly day. Especially after sampling the Absinthe from Pocketful of Stones in the the stand next to us!

We then headed to Ashburton for their Food Festival. We were starting to get repeat visitors to our stand. We had a lively spot in North Street close to the music, which we enjoyed.

And finally, the whole of Team PG, plus nephew, hit Widecombe Fair for our last event of the summer. Back in a field, in a gazebo, with the Head Distiller; all was good with the world. Fitzhead Leggett gave terrier racing one more go and managed to keep within the race area this time. To make up for previous misdemeanours he came a very respectable fourth. There may be some over winter training planned in anticipation of next year’s events.

We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has been involved in organising the events we have attended this summer. It is no mean feat. We appreciate everyone’s hard work that makes each one such a great day for everyone.

And a massive thank you to everyone who has visited our stand, had a chat, sampled our gin, maybe even bought a bottle.

Cheers!