Hooting Owl Distillery York
York’s first licensed distillery inside the city walls, crafting artisan gins, vodkas, and rums inspired by Yorkshire’s rich heritage.
Hooting Owl Distillery, located at 1 Rougier Street in York, is the city’s first licensed distillery within the historic city walls. Specializing in small-batch artisan spirits, it crafts award-winning gins, vodkas, and rums inspired by Yorkshire’s rich heritage. Visitors can enjoy guided distillery tours, tastings, and relax in the opulent lounge bar offering a full range of handcrafted drinks alongside craft beers and cocktails.
A brief summary to Hooting Owl Distillery York
- Owl Distillery, 1 Rougier St, York, YO1 6HZ, GB
- +441904501911
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 12 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 12 pm-11 pm
- Friday 12 pm-11:45 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11:45 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Book a distillery tour or gin tasting in advance to secure your spot, as these experiences are popular and run daily.
- Visit the lounge bar to sample the full range of handcrafted spirits alongside craft beers, cocktails, and fine wines.
- Try the gin school experience to create your own personalized gin recipe, which can be stored for future orders.
- Check out local York pubs and hotels that serve Hooting Owl spirits to enjoy their products throughout the city.
- Bring your dog along as the distillery welcomes canine companions in its social spaces.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train
From York train station, the distillery is a 5-minute walk. Trains connect York to major cities like London, Leeds, and Edinburgh with frequent services. Walking is flat and accessible, suitable for all travelers.
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Bus
Local bus services run regularly to stops near Rougier Street from across York and surrounding areas. Travel times vary from 10 to 30 minutes depending on origin, with tickets costing approximately £2-£4.
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Taxi
Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available in York city center. A typical fare from York station to the distillery costs around £5-£8 and takes 5 minutes, subject to traffic.
Hooting Owl Distillery York location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Hooting Owl Distillery York
A Legacy Distilled in the Heart of York
Nestled within York’s ancient city walls, Hooting Owl Distillery stands as a unique artisan distillery that blends history, myth, and craft into every bottle. Founded in 2017 and relocated to its current city centre site in early 2024, it holds the distinction of being the first licensed distillery inside York’s bar walls. The distillery draws inspiration from Yorkshire’s military history, flora, and fauna, infusing local character into its range of London Dry Gins, Fruit Gins, Premium Vodka, and Quality Rums.Craftsmanship and Small-Batch Excellence
Hooting Owl operates nine small-batch stills, producing around 1,000 bottles daily, though actual production is deliberately kept below capacity to maintain artisanal quality. The distillery’s Master Distiller employs secret recipes known only to him and one other, ensuring each spirit is hand-crafted with precision. The product range includes over 130 varieties of gin, several rums, vodkas, and bourbons, all bottled and labelled by hand, emphasizing the bespoke nature of the operation.Immersive Visitor Experience
Visitors are invited to witness the distillation process firsthand in the distillery lounge, open daily from midday to 11pm. The lounge offers a luxurious setting to sample all 25 artisan spirits alongside craft beers, lagers, cocktails, fine wines, and prosecco. Distillery tours and gin tastings run regularly, providing an educational and sensory experience that showcases the alchemy behind the spirits. The venue also hosts a gin school where guests can create personalized gin recipes, stored securely for future orders.Yorkshire Inspirations and Local Roots
The distillery’s origins trace back to Barmby Moor House, a historic coaching inn in the Yorkshire Wolds, where its emblematic owl, “Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins,” has watched over for centuries. This deep connection to Yorkshire’s heritage permeates the distillery’s ethos, with botanicals and flavours carefully selected to reflect the region’s natural and cultural landscape. This commitment to locality enriches every sip with a sense of place and story.Community and Hospitality
Hooting Owl is more than a distillery; it is a vibrant social hub welcoming all, including dogs, families, and groups. It features a fully licensed bar, private event spaces, and a gift shop offering take-home spirits. The distillery balances a capacity of 300 with a maximum occupancy of 120 to ensure a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. Its products are also available in numerous York establishments, extending its presence throughout the city.Events and Accessibility
Open seven days a week with extended hours on weekends, Hooting Owl hosts regular tours, tastings, and private bookings. Its central location, just a short walk from York train station, makes it easily accessible for visitors. The distillery embraces modern hospitality conveniences such as free Wi-Fi, cash and card payments, and click-and-collect services, enhancing the visitor experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Historic England - York Office
0.1 km
Explore the Historic England - York Office, a hub for heritage preservation in the heart of York, where history meets contemporary conservation efforts.
Ouse Bridge
0.3 km
Historic Ouse Bridge in York spans the River Ouse, blending medieval heritage with 19th-century architecture and city life.
St. Leonard's Hospital
0.3 km
Explore the evocative ruins of York’s largest medieval hospital, where healing met faith in a grand historic sanctuary.
Anglian Tower
0.4 km
Discover York’s rare Anglo-Saxon watchtower, a unique stone relic woven into ancient Roman walls and shrouded in centuries of history.
Parliament St
0.4 km
York's vibrant shopping street where Victorian commerce meets medieval heritage and market tradition.
The Norman House
0.4 km
Discover York’s oldest medieval house, a Norman stone residence with rare surviving walls and a Norman window hidden behind Stonegate.
Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours (formally BOBH)
0.4 km
Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich heritage of Yorkshire with personalized tours from Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours.
York Gifts and Souvenirs
0.5 km
Explore York Gifts and Souvenirs for locally crafted treasures and unique gifts that capture the essence of York's rich history and culture.
JORVIK Viking Centre
0.5 km
Explore the thrilling Viking heritage at JORVIK Viking Centre in York, where history meets adventure through interactive exhibits and captivating stories.
Ghost Hunt of York
0.5 km
Explore the haunted streets of York with the Ghost Hunt, where history and the supernatural collide in an unforgettable sightseeing experience.
York's Chocolate Story
0.5 km
Explore the rich history of chocolate at York's Chocolate Story, where sweet indulgence meets captivating storytelling.
Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow
0.5 km
Explore the Shrine of Saint Margaret Clitherow in York, a serene sanctuary steeped in history and spiritual significance, perfect for reflection and discovery.
The York Ghost Merchants
0.5 km
Explore a unique blend of York's ghostly history and charming souvenirs at The York Ghost Merchants, your destination for eerie collectibles.
28 Shambles
0.5 km
Medieval York's most iconic street, where 900 years of history meet vibrant modern commerce.
William Etty
0.5 km
Explore the artistic legacy of William Etty in York’s Exhibition Square, where history and culture come alive in a stunning sculpture.
Unmissable attractions to see
All Saints North Street, York - The Shrine and Parish Church
0.1 km
A medieval York church with breathtaking 15th-century stained glass and a rebuilt anchorite’s cell, offering quiet reflection and a vivid glimpse into medieval faith and art.
Barker Tower
0.1 km
Discover the medieval charm and historical significance of Barker Tower, a must-visit landmark in the heart of York.
City Screen Picturehouse
0.2 km
A lively independent cinema and cultural venue in York blending film, live entertainment, and a welcoming cafe-bar atmosphere.
A Very Magical Adventure
0.2 km
Embark on a whimsical family-friendly magical quest through York’s historic streets at Jacobs Well.
Coney St
0.2 km
York’s historic Coney Street blends centuries of heritage with vibrant shopping, dining, and riverside charm in the city centre.
York Mansion House
0.2 km
Explore the elegant Georgian Mansion House, a historic civic residence and cultural gem in the heart of York’s vibrant city centre.
Locked in Games York
0.2 km
Solve puzzles, beat the clock and escape in York’s clever escape room centre near the museum gardens.
York Beach
0.2 km
A vibrant craft beer bar in York’s historic Merchant Exchange, blending industrial charm with regional brews and lively riverside views.
The York Cat Trail
0.2 km
Discover York’s historic streets through a whimsical trail of cat statues blending folklore, art, and city heritage.
Black window cat
0.2 km
Explore Black Window Cat in York, a vibrant tourist attraction blending art, culture, and community in a historic setting.
The York Ghost Walk
0.3 km
Discover York’s haunted history through an atmospheric evening walk filled with ghostly tales and historic intrigue around Davygate.
The Original Ghost Walk of York
0.3 km
York's longest-running ghost tour—authentic paranormal history told nightly by passionate guides.
York Gift Center
0.3 km
Discover authentic York souvenirs and local crafts in a charming historic gift shop nestled in the heart of the city.
Dame Judi Dench Walk
0.3 km
A peaceful riverside stroll in York honoring Dame Judi Dench, blending historic views with tranquil urban nature.
York Observatory
0.3 km
Explore Yorkshire’s oldest working observatory nestled in York’s scenic Museum Gardens, home to historic telescopes and star clocks.
Essential places to dine
The Whippet Inn
0.1 km
York’s hidden steakhouse gem offering ethically sourced beef, cozy ambiance, and exceptional Sunday roasts in a stylish adults-only setting.
Kapadokya
0.1 km
Experience authentic Turkish cuisine with generous portions and warm hospitality in the heart of historic York.
The Rise
0.1 km
Modern British dining with a Yorkshire twist in York’s only five-star hotel, featuring an open kitchen, terrace views, and award-winning afternoon tea.
Casa Brazilian Rodizio
0.1 km
Experience authentic Brazilian rodizio dining with expertly grilled meats and vibrant flavors in the heart of York’s city centre.
Tomahawk Steakhouse York
0.2 km
Savor Himalayan salt dry-aged steaks and vibrant cocktails in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Tomahawk Steakhouse.
Bill's York Restaurant
0.2 km
Colourful British comfort food in a historic York building, perfect for brunch, burgers and cocktails in the city centre.
The Star Inn The City
0.2 km
Elegant riverside dining in York offering seasonal British cuisine with a rustic countryside charm and stunning views of the River Ouse.
Skosh
0.2 km
Inventive small plates, global flavors, and theatrical kitchen views in intimate York setting.
The Ivy St Helen's Square York
0.2 km
Elegant British brasserie in York’s historic heart, offering modern classics, vibrant interiors, and a lively yet refined atmosphere.
Partisan
0.3 km
Artistic café serving seasonal brunch and lunch in a bohemian Parisian-inspired setting on historic Micklegate.
Brew & Brownie
0.3 km
Cozy family-run café in York serving locally inspired breakfasts, artisan coffee, and indulgent brownies in a rustic, welcoming setting.
Corner Grill House
0.3 km
Award-winning Yorkshire steakhouse serving premium beef and local ingredients in York's vibrant city centre.
Turtle Bay York
0.3 km
Experience authentic Caribbean flavors and vibrant island vibes in the heart of historic York at Turtle Bay.
Kennedy's Bar & Restaurant
0.3 km
A vibrant York hotspot blending modern British cuisine, live music, and expertly crafted cocktails in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Forage Kitchen & Bar
0.3 km
Refined fire-cooked dishes and inventive Yorkshire cocktails in a lush, intimate setting on York’s historic Little Stonegate.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Hidden Treasures
0.1 km
Discover unique crystals and spiritual tools in a tranquil metaphysical shop at York’s George Hudson Street.
Greybear
0.2 km
Discover timeless vintage treasures and unique gifts in the heart of York’s historic city centre at Greybear Vintage Gifts.
The Yorkshire Soap Company - York
0.3 km
A fragrant, playful haven of handmade soaps and scented treats in the heart of York – perfect for gifts and a little indulgence.
The Imaginarium
0.3 km
Discover York’s enchanting Victorian-style curiosity shop filled with unique art, vintage-inspired homewares, and affordable luxuries.
York Souvenir's
0.3 km
Discover authentic York treasures and charming souvenirs at this friendly, independent gift shop in the heart of York.
Käthe Wohlfahrt
0.4 km
Experience authentic German Christmas magic year-round in York’s historic Tudor townhouse on Stonegate.
Paper Doll
0.4 km
Discover unique, colourful fashion and artisan jewellery in York’s charming Paper Doll boutique, a hidden gem for stylish and distinctive finds.
Cello by Collectables
0.4 km
Explore Cello by Collectables, a charming gift shop in York offering unique handcrafted treasures that embody the city's rich culture.
Rookscroft
0.4 km
Discover handcrafted treasures and local charm at Rookscroft, York’s cozy gift shop on historic Stonegate.
The Cat Gallery
0.5 km
York's iconic independent gift shop celebrating all things feline since 2001.
Shared Earth
0.5 km
Discover ethically sourced treasures and handcrafted fair trade gifts in the heart of historic York.
The Medieval Scribe
0.5 km
Discover unique medieval-inspired crafts and artisanal treasures in the heart of York’s historic Church Street.
York Souvenirs and Gifts
0.5 km
Authentic Yorkshire souvenirs and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic York’s medieval streets.
SOCTOPUS
0.5 km
Discover York’s playful sock boutique blending British humour, culture, and quirky style in every colourful pair.
Pride of York Souvenirs
0.5 km
Discover authentic York treasures and unique souvenirs in the heart of the historic Shambles at Pride of York Souvenirs.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Maltings
0.1 km
A quirky, friendly pub in York offering a wide beer selection and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Tanner's Moat.
Revolution York
0.2 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York’s historic centre with multiple bars, garden terrace, and a vibrant atmosphere for all occasions.
Jalou York
0.2 km
Historic church transformed into a vibrant cocktail bar with creative drinks and lively nightlife in the heart of York.
Pitcher & Piano York
0.2 km
Lively riverside bar on Coney Street blending modern British cuisine, vibrant social events, and scenic views of the River Ouse in York.
Lendal Cellars
0.2 km
Historic underground pub with a quirky atmosphere, diverse menu, and a rare city-center beer garden in York.
House Of Trembling Madness // Lendal (No table bookings)
0.2 km
Step into York’s medieval gem where historic ambiance meets an extraordinary craft beer selection in a quirky, lively setting.
Tank & Paddle York
0.2 km
Craft beer paradise in York with riverside views, stone-baked pizzas, and 19 screens showing all major sports events.
Dusk
0.3 km
A quirky and welcoming bar in York’s city centre, perfect for lively nights and casual drinks in a vibrant atmosphere.
Slug & Lettuce York Riverside
0.3 km
Lively riverside bar and restaurant in York offering cocktails, casual dining, and vibrant social vibes with scenic river views.
The Punch Bowl
0.3 km
A historic York pub blending traditional charm, eclectic ales, and hearty British fare in a cozy, welcoming setting on Stonegate.
Bobos Cocktail Bar York
0.3 km
York’s vibrant two-floor cocktail bar with tropical drinks, heated shisha terrace, lively DJs, and unbeatable drink deals in the historic Quarter.
The Stone Roses Bar
0.4 km
York’s premier indie music bar, blending iconic memorabilia with lively vibes and friendly service in a central city location.
York Tap
0.4 km
Discover York Tap, a historic Edwardian pub at York Station, offering 32 rotating craft beer lines and a lively atmosphere for beer lovers.
Slug & Lettuce - Swinegate York
0.4 km
A lively cocktail bar and casual dining spot in York’s historic centre, perfect for social drinks, events, and weekend late nights.
Plonkers
0.4 km
Family-run riverside wine bar and bistro in York serving home-cooked meals, fine wines, craft beers, and lively live music events since the 1980s.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Flares - York
0.0 km
Experience York’s ultimate retro nightclub with decades-spanning hits, vibrant dance floors, and an inclusive party atmosphere.
Club Salvation
0.0 km
York’s vibrant nightclub with dual music rooms, lively atmosphere, and fair-priced drinks for an unforgettable night out.
Popworld York
0.1 km
York’s vibrant pop music nightclub with a unique revolving dancefloor and a lively atmosphere for unforgettable nights out.
Ziggy's Bar & Nightclub
0.2 km
York’s iconic student nightclub offering energetic dance floors, affordable drinks, and a lively atmosphere since the 1980s.
Bar 55 York
0.2 km
York’s exclusive strip club offering sophisticated adult entertainment and premium nightlife in a stylish, historic setting.
BlueBox
0.2 km
York’s premier late-night nightclub, BlueBox pulses with House, Tech House, and Disco beats until dawn in a vibrant city-center setting.
Kuda
0.4 km
York’s vibrant nightclub offering diverse music, live DJs, and a lively late-night atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Karaoke Rooms (KTV)
1.4 km
Experience lively private karaoke rooms in the heart of York’s vibrant nightlife at Chuandao Karaoke Bar.
Big Fellas Nightclub
33.2 km
A lively and casual nightclub in Pontefract offering energetic late-night dancing and drinks in a central urban setting.
Arabian Night Lounge
33.7 km
Dive into Arabian enchantment on Leeds' nightlife scene: shisha, beats, and opulent vibes await at this Cherry Row gem.
Quadrophenia Night
34.3 km
Rev up for mod anthems, live ska-soul bands, and 60s film vibes at Leeds' ultimate Quadrophenia tribute night—pure energy and rebellion on the dancefloor.
Disco Stu's
34.5 km
Pulse-pounding beats and sticky-floored euphoria on Vicar Lane—Disco Stu's delivers unfiltered Leeds nightlife with affordable drinks and all-night energy.
The Lab Nightclub Leeds
34.5 km
Experience Leeds' electric nightlife at The Lab Nightclub, where music flows smoothly and the party never stops in the heart of the city.
The Key Club
34.7 km
Intimate, no-frills live-music club in central Leeds where punk, indie and alternative acts play close and loud beneath Merrion Street.
PRYZM
34.7 km
Leeds' multi-themed superclub where futuristic beats meet quirky rooms in the heart of Arena Quarter nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
