Botanical Club

Botanical Club in the Isola district of Milan, Lombardy, bills itself as Italy's first gastro-distillery, distilling its own gin on-site and pouring one of the city's deepest gin selections. The crowd is fashionable and largely local, drawing the after-work and weekend set of Isola, a neighbourhood known for design and nightlife; dress is smart-casual and the atmosphere is stylish but friendly, suiting both an early dinner and later drinks. The interior leans Art Deco, with a copper still on display, marble and brass touches and upbeat lounge music that keeps the energy lively without overpowering conversation. The drinks programme is gin-led and botanical-driven: house-distilled gins, an extensive list of classic and contemporary gin cocktails, tasting flights and a rotating menu of seasonal creations, backed by a full kitchen serving sharing plates and mains. Prices are mid-to-upper for the city, with cocktails commonly €11-15, and there is no cover charge. The venue is open daily from lunchtime until around 2am, functioning as a restaurant and bar through the day before filling for aperitivo and into the evening; weekends are busiest, and the bar can get crowded after 9pm. Reservations are useful for dining, particularly at weekends, while the bar area also welcomes walk-ins; there is no bottle-service culture here. Its Isola setting makes it a natural anchor for a night of bar-hopping among the district's independent venues. For visitors, Botanical Club combines a working micro-distillery with a serious gin programme, offering a chance to taste house-made spirits at the source in one of Milan's most creative neighbourhoods.