AN intimate watering hole hailed as probably the smallest gin bar in the world is opening in Durham.

The Tin of Sardines, on Elvet Bridge, is licensed for 16 people and can lay claim to being the smallest bar in the city and possibly in the UK.

Owner Ben Davis said: “We have 68 square foot of floorspace, or it is 13.5ft by 5ft wide.

“We know there are a couple of other bars that are smaller, but don’t know whether their measurements include the bar and seating. We are certainly one of smallest and as a gin bar could be the smallest.”

Customers sit on one side and a “backbar” is on the other, so Mr Davis and his fellow “ginologist” Connah Jarvis-Reed can mingle with the customers. Despite its size, the bar has room for one toilet.

The 25-year-old said: “My interest developed from my love for growing herbs and spices and gin is basically herbs and spices in a spirit.

“I started gin tastings at my father’s premises at Court Inn and it came to a point we were selling more gin at a weekend than pints.

“My father [known locally as Lord Trevor] owned the Durham Hog Roast and I thought we should open a gin bar there.”

“I said ‘dad I’m taking it off you’ and a year down the line we have opened it up.”

The Tin of Sardines boasts over 160 gins from all over the world and nearly 50 mixers.

Each drink is designed by a ginologist, who will will find the flavours to suit the customers.

Mr Davis, who has had the backing of his father, said a “dry run” had proved a phenomenal success with customers.

Gin lovers can also book the premises for an hour, with a session including a full gin tutorial.

Among the specialities are gin which draws its blue colour from the plant clitoria ternatea. When tonic water is added it turns a pale shade of pink. Others are Black Tomato and Gin made with burned orange, while the most popular is the Edinburgh Gin’s rhubarb and ginger.

The most expensive is Monkey 47, distilled in Germany’s Black Forest – using honey from bees foraging on fir trees – at £35 a shot.

The bar will be officially opened at 3.30pm on Friday by Lord Brian McKenzie, Durham mayor Eddie Bell and footballers Eric Gates and Steve Moran.