The makers of York Gin are raising a glass to their latest venture, York Distillery, a brand-new boutique distillery and gin school nestled within the historic Middleton’s Hotel in the heart of York. The new venue, set within the city’s ancient walls, will develop exciting new spirits while offering visitors and locals the chance to immerse themselves in the art of gin-making, tasting, and cocktail crafting.
York Distillery officially opens its doors on Friday 4 April, bringing an expanded selection of gin experiences to the city. York Gin’s five-star tasting sessions have been a staple for years at their 16th-century shop on Pavement opposite Shambles. The new location will allow even more people to explore the world of premium gin in a beautiful, purpose-built space, complete with a bar where attendees can unwind with a perfectly crafted G&T after their class.
Business Development Manager Becky Tatham said: ‘York Gin opened the city’s first gin distillery years ago- and we’ve always made all our gins in York. Everything we do is of the very highest quality – so the beautiful Middleton’s Hotel is the perfect partner for us.
‘We’re delighted and excited to open this beautiful boutique distillery within the city walls. Shining copper stills of all sizes and the scientific distillery paraphernalia complement the elegantly decorated space perfectly. It’s a spirit lover’s happy place!’
Visitors can look forward to interactive gin-making and cocktail-making classes, providing an informative and fun experience that celebrates the company’s award-winning reputation in the spirits industry. Designed with the help of some of York’s best creatives, the space features handcrafted bespoke pieces from local woodworkers PurePallets and expert craftsmanship from GEM Construction. Becky added: ‘We’re proud to represent York and we take our responsibility to our city very seriously. York Distillery will be a venue to enjoy brilliant experiences with friends, colleagues or as a couple.’
Middleton’s Hotel, owned by Daniel Thwaites, is known for its collection of award-winning hotels, inns, and pubs across England. General Manager Oliver Stott said: ‘We’re proud to welcome the new York Distillery to Middleton’s and we look forward to continuing our long-term relationship with the company. This is not only a fantastic way to bring a new lease of life to a disused space, but it’s another wonderful experience our guests can choose to enjoy as part of their stay.’
York Gin has built a reputation as one of the top ultra-premium gin brands, winning multiple gold medals at the world’s leading spirits competitions. York Distillery and York Gin both fall under the umbrella of York Drinks, which continues to operate its main distillery and warehouse in Murton, where larger-scale distilling, bottling, and online orders are managed. Director Natalie Hall said: ‘York Distillery is where the magic happens – as new flavour combinations are imagined and created by our talented distillers.
‘Our main distillery and warehouse in the Murton area of the City of York will continue to undertake the larger-scale distilling activities along with bottling, labelling and packing. This is also where our online operations will continue. Smaller distillations will happen at York Distillery, where guests will be able to join the team and learn about distillation while enjoying a cocktail.’
Natalie added: ‘We want York Distillery to help cement York’s reputation as one of the UK’s capitals of taste.
‘Generations of flavour experts have made York their home – from the Terry and Rowntree families in the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries to the city’s amazing contemporary chefs and mixologists of the 21st Century. We couldn’t be more excited to be part of this rich tradition.’
With its blend of history, craftsmanship, and hands-on experiences, York Distillery looks set to become a must-visit destination for gin enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. Whether you’re keen to craft your own bespoke spirit or simply sip a world-class gin in a stunning setting, this new venture promises a truly unforgettable experience in the heart of York.
