About
Pete Lumber
Peter Lumber's journey into distilling is as bold and unconventional as the spirits he creates. Known to friends as "Random Pete," his path began in 2007 when a late-night, taxi-bound whim led him to purchase his first pub, The Cartwheel (now The Whitchurch), despite never having pulled a pint in his life. Driven by a love for food, drink, and adventure, Peter taught himself everything, forging a successful career that saw him run multiple pubs, including the award-winning Newbury.
It was at his micro-distillery, housed in The Newbury pub, where Peter’s gin-making talents truly shone. His Berkshire Dry Gin earned the highest commendation of three stars from the Great Taste Awards, the world’s largest guild of gourmet food and wine, and the Lumber’s Bartholomew range won two golds at the World Gin Awards in 2020.
Always seeking new challenges, Peter’s passion for distilling led to the creation of The Spirit of Bristol Distillery, where he now combines creativity and resilience to craft spirits that reflect both his bold journey and Bristol’s vibrant spirit. A proud member of The Gin Guild, Peter’s story is one of passion, innovation, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Our Method
At The Spirit of Bristol Distillery, we proudly employ the time-honoured one-shot method in our gin crafting—a technique that ensures every bottle is infused with depth and character.
We carefully macerate our botanicals in a pot with the base spirit, allowing them to steep before running the still. The result is the heart of the spirit, a botanical distillate, pure and unadulterated, which is then proofed with water and bottled at its perfect strength.
While some distilleries use the multi-shot method to create a concentrate, which is later diluted, we believe the one-shot process ensures superior flavour integration and balance. For us, it’s not about efficiency or producing more; it’s about crafting the finest gin for the discerning palate.
SUSTAINABILITY
From the very beginning, we’ve been committed to crafting our spirits in a way that honours both tradition and the environment. We bottle our gin locally, using Bristol-based suppliers wherever possible to reduce our carbon footprint and support the vibrant community that shaped us. By forging strong partnerships with fellow artisans, we ensure that every aspect of our production, from the botanicals to the packaging, reflects our commitment to ethical and sustainable practices.
For our international ventures, we remain mindful of our environmental impact by opting for shipping rather than air freight, reducing emissions while staying true to our roots in global trade. Our journey from Bristol’s harbour to the world is driven by the same winds that once carried the city's ships, ensuring our spirits are not only crafted with care but transported responsibly. By balancing heritage and sustainability, we’re proud to craft spirits that reflect the values of our city.
