Gin Bus

A BRAND EXPERIENCE

The ultimate mobile gin experience. Meet 'HERBERT", the Extraordinary Roving Bus for Exceptionally Refined Travel.

The Challenge

Following research carried out by Hendrick’s we discovered that a large trend with their consumers was a particular passion and interest in travel and curiosity around their local neighbourhoods.

Using this insight the Hendrick’s Gin Bus was conceived. Our challenge was to bring it to life; from design and fabrication through to delivery of the Hendrick’s perfect serve, a magical customer experience in the immersive and theatrical bus; all executed to the highest standards ensuring that consumers experienced an exciting and memorable Hendrick’s experience.

Demographic Gin Lovers

Location England & Scotland

Duration 20 Days

Objective Brand Engagement

A green, Hendrick’s Gin-wrapped vintage Routemaster bus driving through the busy streets of central London, featuring an eye-catching two-tone green exterior vinyl wrap. In the background, other cars and London buses drive by, while pedestrians explore central London on foot. The scene includes several shops, such as GAP, Boots and Barclays, as well as large advertising boards on the buildings behind the bus, including Coca-Cola, Samsung and McDonald's.

Installation of a green, Hendrick’s Gin-branded vintage Routemaster bus interior. The image shows various tools and boxes scattered around as the Ambient team prepares the bus for a Hendrick’s Gin roadshow. The patterned interior is in place, but the seats have not yet been installed.

Installation of a green, Hendrick’s Gin-wrapped, branded vintage Routemaster bus. The scene features a large blue and yellow ladder, various tools, and scaffolding positioned around the bus. The image captures the behind-the-scenes efforts of the Ambient team as they prepare the bus for a Hendrick’s Gin roadshow.

The Execution

Every detail was accounted for in order to create this immersive, roving brand experience.

We took a vintage Routemaster bus, stripped it bare and gave it a complete Hendrick’s treatment; tweed upholstery, external and internal vinyl wrap, bespoke mobile bar installed, set dressing including a fine selection of taxidermy, highly-trained bar staff, brand ambassadors and conductor.

Following a tailored route throughout central London and Edinburgh, the bus picked up customers for their 40min Hendrick’s experience where they were given an immersive, educational and extraordinary journey.

Stripping a vintage Routemaster bus bare, we created bespoke fittings including tables specifically designed to house the exclusive range of Hendrick’s ‘tea pots and cups’ to prevent any unwanted spillage during the tours! We even commissioned bespoke, flavour-matched macaroons to accompany one of the cocktails.

The Outcome

The ticketed experience sold out within days and entertained hundreds of customers in an enthralling, immersive Hendrick’s experience.

Dedicated Press trips ensured solid coverage in major publications and social channels.

78000000

Hashtag Impressions

700

Weekly Passengers

Key PR Pieces

200

Daily Likes

”Working with Ambient on the development of HERBERT and the overall on board experience was an absolute pleasure. Their positive approach to what was a very challenging brief, their flexibility, collaboration and a keen eye for detail is just what a Hendrick’s Gin experience requires and our consumers loved it.
Sam BovillSenior Brand Manager