As previewed in GTN Xtra, Groves Nurseries at Bridport launched its own brand of violet gin – aptly named ‘Mr Groves’ Violet Gin’ – at its Summer Fair last weekend.

Groves Nurseries is home to one of the largest and most comprehensive collection of violets in the world.

Pictured: Clive Groves enjoys a G&T with Jasmine Miles, PA to CW Groves.

Flavoured with Clive Groves’ Bridport-grown violets, the gin was distilled at the garden centre itself by Devon Distillery’s ‘Still on the Move’, a converted 1960s VW van. It is available by the bottle or – by enjoying by the glass as a G&T – in  the Groves Nurseries restaurant.

The Groves violet collection is registered with Plant Heritage and is the only National Collection of Viola odorata and Parma Violets in the UK.