Berkley Care Group residents help create their own bespoke gin in UK first
Residents at a luxury care group have created their own gin in what is a first for the UK care sector.
Berkley Care Group has partnered with Oxfordshire-based Sky Wave Distillery to produce Golden Hour, a bespoke London Dry gin developed with direct input from residents living across its twelve care homes.
The idea grew from a simple conversation earlier this year, when residents expressed a shared fondness for a weekly gin and tonic. From there, teams at Berkley organised tasting sessions and a visit to Sky Wave’s distillery in Bicester, where residents sampled blends, discussed flavours, and shared stories with Master Distiller Andrew Parsons.
The gin takes its name from “Golden Hour” at Fernhill House, one of Berkley’s homes, where residents gather each Thursday evening to enjoy a drink together. The ritual has now been adopted across the group, with Golden Hour becoming a symbol of connection and shared community.
Residents helped to determine everything from botanical profiles to the gin’s name and narrative. The final result is described as “floral, aromatic, and characterful,” designed to pair comfortably with a classic tonic.
For those involved, however, the project has been as much about participation as flavour.
“It was incredibly special to see our residents so engaged throughout the process,” said Sherrie Hume, General Manager at Cumnor Hill House. “They relished comparing blends and being part of creating something that now brings people together across all our homes.”
Laura Perry, CEO of Berkley Care Group, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s focus on resident-led experiences.
“This collaboration has given residents a real sense of ownership and pride,” she said. “Golden Hour is more than just a drink – it reflects the stories, personalities and shared moments that shape daily life in our homes.”
Sky Wave’s Master Distiller Andrew Parsons added that working collaboratively with residents offered a fresh creative process. “Their enthusiasm and insight played a genuine part in the final product. We’re thrilled to have crafted a gin that resonates so personally with them.”
Golden Hour is now being rolled out across Berkley Care Group homes, where residents and families will be able to enjoy the gin during the weekly tradition that inspired its vision.
Eleanor Thomas is a writer for Comment Central.
