Pictures: Jaine Blackman

Oxford

Toad's first birthday

Suppliers, investors and gin-lovers raised a glass to celebrate The Oxford Artisan Distillery's first birthday.

The event at TOAD, as it's known, featured live music, food stalls, cocktail masterclasses, tastings, children’s activities and, of course, a gin bar.

Visitors could take a look at the city's first legal gin distillery, tucked away next to Oxford's South Parks.

The day also included the launch of the company's latest spirit – master distiller Cory Mason led guests through a special tasting of TOAD’s bright green Artemisia Absinthium, a super-premium absinthe of 70 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV) making it 140 per cent proof. Just 44 bottles were made in the first batch and they retail for £75 each.