Hooting Owl Distillery York, York Travel Guide

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.