York Railway Station gets brand new gin shop for Christmas
This was our announcement in November 2021 when we opened the York Gin shop in York Railway Station.
York’s railway station is getting a beautiful brand new gin shop for Christmas this year.
York Gin’s new shop has just opened in between the station’s main entrance and the main concourse.
It marks the start of LNER’s efforts to give York station a more local feel. More independent local shops will open in the coming months.
York Gin marketing director Emma Godivala said: ‘We’re crated a stylish and elegant space, celebrating our world-class products that are actually made in York.
‘We want to provide a delightful welcome for those who have just arrived in the city - and a beautiful final memory for those about to leave.'
Stunning double-height arched sash windows are inset in the York stone brick exterior walls, flooding the shop with light.
The incredible space provided by the double height ceiling has allowed the creation of a unique hanging display with 40 types of dried flowers interspersed with hessian from bags of juniper berries and light bulbs inside cut-off York Gin bottles.
Victorian dressers from the Medical Society on Stonegate stand at either end of the shop, fitting nicely with the date of the station’s opening in 1877 when it was the largest in the world.
Bosses are expecting a rush on G&Ts (perfect for train journeys) and boxed sets of miniature bottles - which make great souvenirs and last-minute gifts.
As well as gin gifts, large bottles and G&T cans and miniatures. a range of local beers and ales and products made by small local businesses including marmalade, key rings and greetings cards made by local artists will add to the shop’s York credentials.
The shop will create the equivalent of four to five new full-time jobs. Initial opening hours will be 9.30am until 8.30pm - but may change depending on demand.
The iconic York Gin logo and ‘History in the Tasting’ motto leaves travellers in no doubt that this is a York company inspired by the city’s incredible history.
Claire Ansley, Customer Experience Director at LNER, said: 'We’re passionate about supporting local businesses along our route and are delighted to be able to do this at York Station by welcoming York Gin as the latest retailer to open their doors. Together with the opening of the First Class Lounge earlier in the year, York Gin will help provide a brilliant experience for the many thousands of visitors who come to the city every week.'
York Gin Co-founder Harry Cooke said: 'It's fantastic that LNER are trying to give the station a local feel, and encouraging independent companies like York Gin. Our shop will help to give the station a truly York feel.
'It’s brilliant that we’re creating new employment opportunities in York. All the jobs are paid the Living Wage and come with great prospects, working for a company that wants to do the best for its people and the planet. We’ve used local businesses to help create our unique shop - and we’re delighted to be showcasing brilliant locally-produced goods on our shelves.'
More info
The shop has been fitted entirely by small, independent York companies
Woodworkers PurePallets have used reclaimed wood for counters, ceiling fittings and shelves as well as the external sign.
York Digital Image have recreated the York Gin logos and juniper tree patterns on the windows and doors.
York's Hayward Electrical have rewired the whole shop
Unique flowers by Wiggington Nurseries & glass cutting by FlowermeUp - both from Shambles Market
Represented by York lawyer Diane Grayson from Harland & Co Solicitors on St Saviourgate
Locally-made goods include:
York-made beers by Ainsty Ales and Another Beer Company
Pink Grapefruit & York Gin Marmalade by Bessie’s Yorkshire Preserves
Books by local authors as well as York Gin’s own Book of Gin Jokes, Puns and Quotes, illustrated by local artist, Guy Godivala
Greetings cards produced by local artist, Elliot Harrison
Branded keyring, fridge magnets by local wood upcyclers PurePallets