TLDC also created experimental spirits under the TESTBED brand; named after the art space of similar ethos by architect Will Alsop.

[2][3] The company was founded in 2011 by drinks industry entrepreneur Darren Rook, and angel investment expert, Nick Taylor.

Starting in early November 2011 TLDC took part in investment network Envestors Ltd's Rising Stars initiative to raise £250,000 against 45% equity.

[15] In October 2015, TLDC's original location on Parkgate Road in Battersea was sold to a property developer and the business was relocated.

[17][18] In early 2017, Rook began to promote the expansion of the business to Battersea with its whisky production remaining in Bermondsey as well as the potential for a chain of gin bars across the UK.

[25] Rum production began in early 2017 and used 600ltr ex-wine barrels converted to fermentation vessels by company founder Darren Rook.

Manufactured by Christian CARL GmbH, Germany's oldest distillery fabricator since 1869,[26] the still head was designed by Darren Rook.

The 109 casks were launched in November 2012 as a part of The London Distillery Company's involvement with the men's health charity Movember.

[28] Launched in February 2019 TLDC first single malt whisky was produced by the company founder Darren Rook using 100% Plummage Archer, a rare variety of organic barley grown on the Duchy Estates by the HRH Prince of Wales.

The gin gets its distinct complexity from varying proportions of unique, organic botanicals – including bilberry, lovage root and lavender.

The recipe includes juniper, angelica, lime peel, bay laurel, green and black cardamom, red raspberry leaf and London honey.

Rook and the team at United Creatives changed the bottle to a 500ml format and updated the label to include the Fortnum & Mason's brand colours whilst drawing inspiration from the store's architecture and original clock logo.

The gin recipe was developed using the Fortnum & Mason's archives to research ingredients from the store's tea and spice trading heritage.

[38] In 2017, brand extensions were added to include an orange liqueur, Orangery, and a navy style gin, Explorers Strength.