Hampton Court Spirits, founded by Simon Marjoram, produce three multi-award–winning, premium craft spirits – The Six Wives, Lord of Misrule and The Father.
Who or what inspires you and your products?
I had fairly lofty ambitions. First, to create a spirit that would stand against the best in the world. And second, it had to have a real provenance, a backstory, an engaging narrative as to WHY it is made the way it is, so that people are already enlightened and enjoying the experience before they’ve even tasted it. I started to consider how to distil more than 500 years of history into a beautifully drinkable gin. I researched Palace archives, spoke to Tudor food historians, discovered what spices were being imported from the far reaches of the world, as well as learning how to actually make a very good spirit. We are delighted to have won a Great Taste Award from the Guild of Fine Foods.
What do you enjoy most about the creative process?
Oh – everything! Throughout my career, I’ve been developing creative campaigns for other brands, having to work with what I’ve got, which hasn’t always great even if the product itself was good. I launched a well–known rum brand that was based on a completely fictional character while purporting to be real, which doesn’t feel right. Each of the 3 brands I’ve developed has an absolute authenticity, a truth in its DNA. It is a real pleasure bringing a concept to life and then sitting down with the rest of my team Sallie, Erin and Greg to turn it into an elegant, striking product.
What is the biggest challenge you've faced as a small business owner?
In such a short time, all the products we’ve launched have competed on the world stage in terms of blind tasting contests, up against all the big boys, and we’ve come out on top. And yet the multiples seem to ignore us. We attend so many live tasting events and regularly hear “this is the best gin/rum I’ve ever tasted”. It is so frustrating that we can’t break through and replace average mainstream products on multiples’ shelves. Consumers want better.
What is your hero product or one that means the most to you and why?
I’m very proud of all three but I guess it would have to be The Six Wives. It’s made with six botanicals, all of which would have been grown in Henry’ s Palace Kitchen Gardens or spices he imported. Who knew that orange was first introduced to England by his first wife Katherine of Aragon in 1509 from her native Spain?! The label is beautiful and we frequently get emails asking if we sell them as prints.
What does a typical working day look like?
A what?! There is no such thing and that’s what I love! One day I could be giving a talk and tasting at Tate Modern, the next I may be immersed in researching how we can make improvements in sustainability. The only constant is that it is seven days a week, interspersed with good times with friends and family.
What tip (or tips) would you give anyone looking to start a small creative business?
First and foremost, go with your gut instinct. Yes, listen to the advice of others but it’s your business and no one knows it better than you. Second, understand and accept that there will be lonely down days, but every day is a new day and you must set your gaze on success.
Shop Hampton Court Spirits at the Country Living Christmas Market this November for a thoughtful gift, or to treat yourself!