Hooting Owl Distillery York, Yorkshire Travel Guide

A Legacy of Craftsmanship in the Heart of York

Hooting Owl Distillery is situated inside York’s ancient city walls, making it the first licensed distillery within this historic boundary. Founded in 2017 by Dominic M’Benga, a Yorkshire native and craft distiller, the distillery draws inspiration from the region’s history, military heritage, flora, and fauna to create a diverse range of premium spirits. The distillery originally started at Barmby Moor House, a historic coaching inn, and moved to its current location in early 2024, bringing its artisan production closer to the city’s vibrant core.

Artisan Spirits with Yorkshire Roots

The distillery produces small-batch London Dry Gins, fruit gins, premium vodkas, and quality rums, all handcrafted with at least 15 botanicals sourced from around Yorkshire. With nine small-batch stills, the distillery can produce around 1,000 bottles per day but intentionally limits output to maintain quality and consistency. Upcoming products include a York Gin celebrating the city’s history and a unique take on Bourbon called The Corny Owl.

Immersive Tours and Tastings

Visitors can book distillery tours and gin tastings held Monday to Saturday at 2pm and Monday to Thursday at 7pm. These sessions last about 1 hour and 15 minutes and include a welcome gin and mixer, a detailed tour explaining the distillation process, and sampling of several artisan spirits. The experience is both educational and entertaining, with opportunities to learn how botanicals influence flavor profiles and to enjoy a final full measure of a chosen spirit.

Opulent Lounge Bar Experience

The distillery’s lounge bar offers a luxurious setting where guests can savor the entire range of Hooting Owl’s handcrafted spirits alongside craft beers, lagers, cocktails, fine wines, and prosecco. Open daily from midday until late evening, the lounge invites visitors to relax and soak in the atmosphere while watching the distillation process in action. The venue also welcomes dogs and offers free Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable spot for both locals and tourists.

Community and Craft Spirit Culture

Hooting Owl is deeply embedded in York’s cultural fabric, with its products available in numerous local establishments such as the Museum Street Tavern and York Chocolate Story. The distillery also hosts corporate events, private bar bookings, and offers a gin school where visitors can create personalized gin recipes. The distillery’s commitment to quality, heritage, and community engagement makes it a standout destination for spirit enthusiasts.

Facilities and Accessibility

The distillery provides full licensed bar services, gift shop and takeaway options, outside seating, and accessible restroom facilities. It maintains a relaxed capacity to ensure a quality experience and is located just a short walk from York train station, making it easily accessible for travelers exploring the historic city.