Wiltshire

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-1.jpg" alt="James May Gin" class="wp-image-37362" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/3-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James May Gin</figcaption></figure>



We’re used to seeing James May zipping around on our TV screens, but when he’s not busy filming his feet are firmly planted in Wiltshire soil. In fact, he even owns Swallowcliffe institution, <a href="https://www.royaloakswallowcliffe.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Royal Oak</a>, where he does a roaring trade in his own range of gin. 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/2-1.jpg" alt="James May Gin" class="wp-image-37361" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/2-1.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/2-1-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/2-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/2-1-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James with gin co-conspirator Hug Anderson </figcaption></figure>



James joined forces with Hugh Anderson, founder of <a href="https://downtondistillery.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqtQbY3funoOkGvinMyWLcdF3XbFDcglr6s1EK9Vhq_-rr3Vq0G" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Downton Distillery</a>, to create James Gin, and the eclectic flavours (think parsnip, mustard and beetroot) have gone down so well that it’s now sold in a whopping 41 countries. Muddy caught up with James and Hugh to find out what they love about Wiltshire, and where they get their kicks&#8230;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tell-us-what-you-love-about-life-in-wiltshire">Tell us what you love about life in Wiltshire&#8230; </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/Stonehenge-Pixabay-1000x667.jpg" alt="Stonehenge" class="wp-image-36498" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/Stonehenge-Pixabay-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/Stonehenge-Pixabay-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/Stonehenge-Pixabay-768x512.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/Stonehenge-Pixabay.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Stonehenge, on Salisbury Plain</figcaption></figure>



JAMES: I like that South Wilts, where our cottage and my pub are, is still genuinely rural. It’s still a novel experience for a townie like me. I love the scenery and the hilliness (except when I’m on my bike). We have deer in our woods and sheep in the field opposite to talk to. I am much more seasonally aware now I’ve spent time there. I enjoy tractors thundering around during the harvest and I’m on waving terms with some of the drivers. 



HUGH: Where do I even begin with Wiltshire? It’s a place where history, nature, and rural charm come together. From the distillery, I can see the rolling green downs stretching endlessly, punctuated by ancient landmarks that lend a mystical air to the landscape. Quaint villages with thatched cottages, historic market towns, and grand estates like Stourhead and Wilton House make it an explorer’s dream. Then there’s Salisbury Plain—vast, untouched, and home to the rare Great Bustard and an abundance of wildlife.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-you-enjoy-hanging-out">Where do you enjoy hanging out?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/James-May-Hugh-Anderson4.jpg" alt="James May Royal Oak" class="wp-image-36363" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/James-May-Hugh-Anderson4.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/James-May-Hugh-Anderson4-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/James-May-Hugh-Anderson4-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/04/James-May-Hugh-Anderson4-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">James May Gin</figcaption></figure>



JAMES: I’m fiercely loyal to my own pub (The Royal Oak in Swallowclife) but also visit the Compasses in Chicksgrove, the Horseshoe in Ebbesbourne Wake, the Bennet Arms in Semley, Compton McRae (also Semley), and Pythouse Kitchen Garden. We’re also regulars at (art gallery) Messums Wiltshire and the Ansty Mayday festival, even though I hate Morris Dancing.



HUGH: I agree &#8211; The Compasses in Chicksgrove, as it was an old stable. The Great Bustard in Great Durnford, The Goat in Downton (great pizzas). Head to Downton for the Cuckoo fair, it is bonkers! It happens on the first weekend of May.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-be-your-top-three-drinks-and-why">What would be your top three drinks and why? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-at-Royal-Oak.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-37366" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-at-Royal-Oak.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-at-Royal-Oak-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-at-Royal-Oak-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-at-Royal-Oak-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



JAMES: Gin and tonic – refreshing and ‘on brand’. Crisp white wine – it’s like pop. Pint of bitter – a comfort, like a good pie.



HUGH: Martini, it’s about the spirit. Tequila – neat, but a really good one. It’s an experience. They can be bold, bright and citrusy, rich and smoky, or smooth and caramel-like. Nothing beats a crisp white wine on hot days, so refreshing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-would-you-mix-with-james-gin">What would you mix with James Gin? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-Gin-resized.jpg" alt="James May Gin" class="wp-image-37367" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-Gin-resized.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-Gin-resized-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-Gin-resized-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/wilts/wp-content/uploads/sites/19/2025/07/James-May-Gin-resized-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



JAMES: I like a gin and tonic. But I have had some good ‘dirty’ martinis and my pub, The Royal Oak, does some bespoke James Gin cocktails.



HUGH: In the summer I want something refreshing where I can quickly grab some ingredients from the garden or fridge and the Basil Smash is always a winner.



To make the Basil Smash



<ul>
<li>50 ml James Gin Asian Parsnip&nbsp;</li>



<li>30 ml Lemon Juice</li>



<li>15ml Sugar Syrup or teaspoon of Caster Sugar</li>



<li>Lots of basil (more provides stronger flavours)</li>
</ul>



&nbsp;Method:



<ul>
<li>Muddle basil leaves, lemon juice and simple sugar syrup in a cocktail shaker.</li>



<li>If you do not have a muddler – add everything into the shaker</li>



<li>Add gin and lots of ice to the cocktail shaker and shake hard (smash it)</li>



<li>Fill your glass with ice</li>



<li>Strain cocktail into your glass</li>
</ul>



Check out the full range of James Gin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jamesgin.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoro3TU0SuNHEMb-4P2Y9-bgOyn3CeMilH_hsWqQscOGJb_xhchA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.

My Wiltshire: TV presenter James May

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