The gin geniuses behind the Bloody Shiraz Gin have opened a small batch distillery and bar in the historic Bussel Bros building in Sydney’s Surry Hills. The Four Pillars Gin Lab is a place where locals can go to experiment with gin, either through a dedicated masterclass or just with a few G&Ts at the bar.

Sydney’s new gin-soaked bar is hidden behind an unmarked door on the corner of Fitzroy and Crown Street. Basically, you have to be sober to find your way in (but not your way out). The space is dominated by a bright juniper blue bar, surrounded by hanging gin bottles. The room is lined with intimate tables, including a row of twos called “Tinder Alley”.

Attached to Eileen’s Bar is The Lab, a secondary space for gin masterclasses and workshops. It’s also home to a 70 litre copper still that is used to make small batches of bespoke gin.

Eileen is the Four Pillars Gin Lab’s 70 litre copper still. Right now, the old girl is working on a limited edition Sydney Winter Gin, flavoured with lavender and turmeric to celebrate the venue’s launch.

The drinks menu revolves around nine gin cocktails and four G&Ts created by creative director of drinks, James Irvine. Try the new Sydney Winter gin in a martini mixed with native sandalwood and lemon myrtle or for something with a bit more colour, there’s the Purple Yamos made from Bloody Shiraz Gin with purple yam and citrus.

What is the perfect food pairing to gin? More gin, of course. Made from Gin maestro Matt Wilkinson has created a menu of ginspired snacks, including taramasalata with gin-washed caviar and finger-licking gin salt and vinegar chips. There’s also steak and pepper party pies and mortadella jaffles to keep your stomach lined.

Downstairs, a retail shop sells a select range of Four Pillars products, from limited edition bottles to their Made from Gin range, which includes negroni marmalade, gin pig salami, gin salt and organic gin chocolate.

The Four Pillars Gin Lab is located at 410 Crown Street, Surry Hills. It opens Sun-Tue 10am-6pm and Wed-Sat 10am-midnight. For more details or to make a booking, head to fourpillarsgin.com/drinks-lab.