industrial
12 Ossory Road, London, UK, SE1 5AN
Saturday 13 September the Bottle Factory and Kaymet will host two tours animating the history of the Bottle Factory and the wider history of making in the Old Kent Road area. These tours will visit onsite businesses such HEJ, Thames Distillery, Atelier Ellis and other makers based at the Bottle Factory. The tours will also visit the Kaymet site to look at their manufacturing and history.
Elephant & Castle
Elephant & Castle
172, 453, 63
The end point of the tour will be Kemet which is: Kaymet Works, 52 Ossory Rd, London SE1 5AN
We do visit the upstairs of the building which does not have a lift.
We will have at various points on the tour some seating stations will be provided. You will also have the strong smells of the coffee.
Guided tour
11:00–12:30
A free walking tour of the history, makers and creatives of the Bottle Factory and local makers in and around the Old Kent Road.
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
Guided tour
13:00–14:30
A free walking tour of the history, makers and creatives of the Bottle Factory and local makers in and around the Old Kent Road.
How to book
Please create a free visitor account to book your festival tickets.
The Bottle Factory in London, located just off the Old Kent Road, is a restored Victorian warehouse complex with a rich history as a bottling factory. Originally built in 1895, it was home to J. Mills & Sons, a well-known London bottling company specializing in mineral water, lemonade, and ginger beer. The factory operated for nearly a century before being repurposed. Today, it serves as a vibrant hub for creatives, makers, and urban industry businesses, while retaining its industrial heritage.
Detailed History:
1895:
The original building was constructed and occupied by J. Mills & Sons, a bottling company that became famous for its mineral water, lemonade, and ginger beer.
Nearly a Century:
The factory remained in operation for nearly a century, producing and bottling various beverages for the London market.
Repurposing:
After its operational years, the building was acquired by London-based developer Fabrix, who undertook extensive restoration and refurbishment to transform it into a space for a creative community.
Restoration:
The restoration focused on preserving the building's industrial character, including its London stock brickwork, windows, and timber hoist doors.
Current Use:
The Bottle Factory now houses a diverse range of businesses, including artists, designers, gin distillers, paint company, roastery and other creatives, fostering a collaborative and dynamic environment.
Community Hub:
The Bottle Factory has also become a popular venue for events and exhibitions, further contributing to the local community.
Architectural Significance:
The building is recognized as a notable example of industrial architecture in London, showcasing the relationship between residential streets and industrial development during that era. It also stands as one of the few remaining examples of this type of development along the Grand Surrey Canal.