Couple hope to set up gin distillery in their garage in Wymondham

The Hanckes are hoping to set up a gin distillery in their garage. (Image: bhofack2)

Shaun and Lindi Hancke who live in Wymondham will be clinking their glasses if they are given permission to turn their garage into a distillery producing homemade gin.

And they have the full support of nearby neighbour on The Common, Steve Wyatt, who supports the planning application and applauds them being on trend.

Lindi Hancke said: 'I was cleaning the chicken coop one day and I spilt my gin and I thought why don't I make my own gin instead of spilling it.'

Since then the South African businesswoman and her husband have been doing some serious research and have come up with a unique recipe.

It is a closely guarded secret but they can disclose it will be a full-bodied dry gin, infused with juniper, coriander, angelica and orris.

The gin will be called Vryheid, which is an Afrikaans word that means freedom, and it's slogan will be 'Vryheid everyone wants it.'

'It's a gamble isn't it?' says Lindi. 'But gin drinking has become more fashionable - it's a very British thing, and it's a fun drink that you can dress up.'

The gin starts as a high quality grain-based spirit which is then distilled in a potbelly column still.

The couple have chosen to take time running the process extra slowly to ensure a full bodied gin - and the finished product will then be collected in a receiver tank.

The gin is rested before it is bottled, sealed and packed by hand and will only be manufactured in small batches before being sold online.

'The business is very much a husband and wife venture - it takes us both to get it just right.

'For anyone concerned there will be no noise - it's a kettle in the workshop if you want to think of it that way,' says the entrepreneur.

'We are looking forward to doing some further research at the gin festival in Norwich in July.'