A Milestone Achievement
It’s been six months since Nelson’s Gin, Vodka & Rum School was awarded Experience of the Year at the Staffordshire Tourism & Good Food Awards 2024. Always believing their school to be extraordinary—a sentiment echoed by hundreds of glowing 5-star reviews and the visit of celebrated chefs Michel Roux Jr and Matt Tebbutt—winning the award further confirms and officially recognises the hard work and dedication Neil Harrison, Nelson’s founder and Master Distiller, and his team put into delivering such an amazing experience.
Global Recognition and Unique Experiences
Winning Experience of the Year has certainly helped put Nelson’s on the map! Just this year, they have welcomed guests from as far away as New Zealand and Indonesia. The unique experience invites students to design and distil their own gin, vodka, or rum recipe using the 60+ botanicals available in the school and the knowledge gained from the experts leading the class. It’s a 5-hour course that covers the rich history of these well-loved spirits and the fascinating science behind distilling, all while making your own and tasting some award-winning Nelson’s products along the way. This immersive journey not only educates but also provides a memorable, hands-on experience that guests cherish long after they leave.
Boost in Bookings and Gift Certificate
Sales The increased awareness from being named Staffordshire Experience of the Year has significantly boosted future bookings and sales of Nelson’s Gift Certificates. These certificates are the perfect gift for spirit enthusiasts, creative individuals, and newly engaged couples. Imagine the delight of designing a unique spirit recipe that can be transformed into personalised wedding favours. Nelson’s has also experienced a notable increase in interest for corporate activities. They have been working with fellow Staffordshire businesses and those further afield who are looking for a distinctive and engaging way to reward their teams or entertain clients. Their tailored corporate sessions have received rave reviews, with many participants citing the experience as a highlight of their corporate events calendar. The success of these sessions has opened up new avenues for collaboration and growth in the corporate sector, positioning Nelson's as a leader in innovative corporate entertainment.
Looking Ahead
As Nelson’s celebrates the remarkable achievements of the past six months, they are also looking ahead to the future. The recognition they have received serves as a powerful motivator to continue enhancing and expanding their offerings. Applications for the 2025 Staffordshire Tourism Awards are now open, and they encourage other exceptional experiences across the region to participate. Winning the Experience of the Year award has been a transformative milestone for Nelson’s, and they hope to see many more deserving attractions gain the recognition they deserve in the coming year.
