TWO young entrepreneurs have launched their own gin company as a way of ‘putting up a bit of a middle finger to coronavirus’.

Archie Ley and Ben Mills have set up Big Grin at Ben's family farm - Upton Downs, in Burford.

The pair set up the business in June, with the aim of creating great-tasting gin, and also to spread a bit of positivity during the pandemic.

“Me and Ben both have a passion for spirits and distilling," said 23-year-old Archie.

"We found ourselves launching our business in the middle of a pretty bad year, so we decided we wanted to be an antidote.

"Big Grin is a name to reflect the optimism and energy at the heart of everything we do.

"It's also a way of putting up a bit of a middle finger to coronavirus."

Both big music fans, the duo are keen to let their customers know about some of the best local bands.

"We are also promoting young musicians by releasing a new music mix every month.

"So far we have covered two great up and coming bands, Hux and Palafico Honey.

"Just go to the mixers section on our website to find our mixers, complete with a music mix."

The distillery has a bottle shop on site that has been open for a couple months, selling an assortment wines, local brews and spirits.

Archie and Ben are also in the process of completing a new tasting bar, which will be used for tastings from wine merchants, local breweries and other distilleries, while it can also be hired for private tastings too.

The distillery is situated next door to sister restaurant, The Upton Firehouse.

The friends are also planning to launch a range of flavoured gins and some canned drinks too.

“They’re essentially alcoholic sparkling water, something that’s become big here in the UK in the last 18 months,” said Archie.

For further information, visit: biggrin.co.uk