Hotel is a haven for gin lovers

The Old Bell Inn, Delph

A STYLISH Saddleworth hotel took its place alongside the country's finest gin palaces to celebrate World Gin Day on Saturday.

Leon Dalloway, a gin expert, was asked by The Skinny, the magazine that brings independent cultural journalism and events online and in print across the UK, to name his favourite gin joints on a journey across the country.

And alongside a London distillery and Liverpool's Botanical Garden, and other premier city outlets, he highlighted the charms of The Old Bell Inn at Delph.

The Gin Journey was a playful, interactive drinks trail helping discerning drinkers to get hands-on with a variety of gins while being driven around local bars and exploring the country.

When The Skinny pulled together a list of the UK's strongest gin boozers they contacted Mr Dalloway, whose life's work involves travelling the width and breadth of the country in the name of "mother's ruin."

And he recommended the Old Bell at Delph, saying: "It's worth a day trip to Saddleworth to get involved in the largest selection of gin in the world - around 600 bottles - at The Old Bell Inn.

"It may look like an unassuming pub from its exterior, but the well-stocked gin emporium inside more than justifies its status as a boozer's paradise ­- and, more importantly, its Guinness World Record title for the largest number of gins commercially available."

Proud Bell owner Phil Whiteman said: "It's great to be seen alongside the top UK gin bars.

"We've got almost 700 gins now so it's good our name is getting out to a wider regional and international market."