York Distillery set to open 4 April
We have opened a new distillery with its own gin school inside one of York’s finest city centre hotels - open to book from Friday 4th April.
Book or enquire here
York Distillery is located within the city’s ancient walls at Middleton’s Hotel. This new space allows us to develop new spirits to complement our internationally renowned York Gin range.
The boutique distillery will also offer lessons in gin tasting, teach visitors how to create their own unique gin, and host cocktail-making classes. York Distillery officially opens on Friday 4 April.
For several years, we have run our five-star gin tasting experiences in our 16th-century York Gin shop on Pavement opposite Shambles. The new location allows us to increase the number of classes in a purpose-built space where attendees can enjoy a G&T at the bar after their session.
The gin-making and cocktail-making classes will offer visitors and locals an informative and enjoyable experience, highlighting our success in the spirits industry.
Becky Tatham, our Business Development Manager, said: ‘We 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 highest quality, so Middleton’s Hotel is the perfect partner for us.
‘We’re pleased to open this boutique distillery within the city walls. The shining copper stills and scientific distillery equipment complement the elegantly decorated space. It’s a great setting for spirit lovers.’
Becky continued: ‘We take our responsibility to York seriously. York Distillery will be a venue for people to enjoy high-quality experiences with friends, colleagues, or as a couple. Some of York’s best creatives have helped design the space, with local woodworkers PurePallets crafting bespoke pieces and GEM Construction making the most of this unusual setting.’
Middleton’s Hotel is owned by Daniel Thwaites, which operates a unique collection of award-winning hotels, inns, and pubs across England. Oliver Stott, General Manager at Middleton’s Hotel, commented: ‘We’re proud to welcome York Distillery to Middleton’s and look forward to continuing our long-term relationship. This brings new life to a previously unused space and provides another high-quality experience for our guests.’
The York Gin range has won multiple gold medals at the world’s top spirits competitions and is regarded as one of the leading ultra-premium gin brands.
York Distillery and York Gin are both owned by York Drinks. Director Natalie Hall said: ‘York Distillery is where new flavour combinations are created by our talented distillers.
‘Our main distillery and warehouse in Murton will continue to handle larger-scale production, bottling, labelling, and packing, along with our online operations. Smaller distillations will take place at York Distillery, where guests can join the team, learn about distillation, and enjoy a cocktail.’
Natalie added: ‘We want York Distillery to contribute to York’s reputation as a centre of excellence for taste. Generations of flavour experts have called York home, from the Terry and Rowntree families to today’s chefs and mixologists. We’re proud to be part of this tradition.’
About the classes:
York Distillery Gin-Tasting Experience Includes a welcome G&T, tasters of the full York Gin range, and a final G&T using the guest’s favourite flavour. The session covers mindful tasting techniques and a brief history of gin, including myths and legends surrounding the spirit.
York Distillery Gin-Making Class Participants learn the basics of distillation, how to taste spirits like a professional, and create their own unique gin by blending botanicals. Guests leave with a personalised bottle and can reorder the same blend in the future.
York Distillery Cocktail-Making Class Covers the science and art of mixing cocktails, with guests making and enjoying classic drinks. A hands-on session designed to build confidence in cocktail-making and provide skills to use at home.
Book or enquire here - we look forward to welcoming you.