I tried a few Hooting Owl gins at a charity event early in July and realised quickly that the West Yorkshire one was likely to become a firm favourite with the East Yorkshire, whilst very different, n... See more
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Review summary
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Went into the pub and loved the place, the staff were knowledgeable and talked enthusiastically about the rums, vodkas and gins distilled on site. They let us sample a couple of drinks and we were... See more
From start to finish the tour was just brilliant and so much fun. Tom is a great host, so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the distillery and all it's products. We tasted so much quality gin and r... See more
Fab place, good food and great gins. The tour/gin tasting was a great experience, Tom our guide is very knowledgeable and has a great sense of humour. The gins are all really good, some great flavours... See more
Company details
Written by the company
The Hooting Owl Distillery, based within the ancient city walls of York, we take inspiration and flavours from around the Yorkshire region to create a top-quality range of hand-crafted, small batch spirits. The company’s was founded at Barmby Moor House, once a famous public house and iconic coaching inn, is steeped in history spanning several centuries. Tired horses would be changed here after the gruelling journey from York over ‘The Black Moor’ and it’s reputed that a young Queen Victoria stayed at the house, the master bedroom still being known today as The Queen’s Room in her honour. Making good use of the extensive old stable building at Barmby Moor House, Hooting Owl is home to a fully equipped craft distillery, expertly distilling a range of traditional dry gins and other premium craft spirits combining a carefully researched and selected blend of botanicals. Inspired by the story of the house itself and by the geography, culinary heritage and abundant produce of Yorkshire, Hooting Owl also adds a hint of family and military history to the mix. The Story of Sir Owlfred The curious, whimsical story of The Hooting Owl Distillery and the legend of Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins, is as captivating and mysterious as the history of Barmby Moor House itself. When Dom acquired the old Yorkshire manor house at Barmby Moor in 2017, they embarked on an extensive restoration of the historic property. It was as the couple were refurbishing the old scullery that they stumbled across an intriguing, concealed floor safe which had belonged to a former resident of Barmby Moor House, Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins. Hiding within was a single bottle of Sir Owlfred’s Hooting Owl Signature Gin and an old book containing many of his secret recipes. Tied carefully to the book was a small diary of his development journey which he had titled ‘A Tour of Yorkshire’. The diary, embellished with drawings of his distillery, clearly showed it had been located in the stable buildings to the back of the house, buildings which still existed, albeit in a somewhat dilapidated state. This extraordinary discovery began a new, exciting chapter in the Hooting Owl story. Dom, as Sir Owlfred had done before them, set out on a journey which was to draw inspiration from all four corners of Yorkshire to lovingly distil a range of high quality artisan spirits in the very location it was thought to have begun in 1865. Today, the ethos of The Hooting Owl Distillery is heavily influenced by Yorkshire and is intrinsically woven with the story of Sir Olwlfed, the name Hooting Owl deriving from the prominent golden owl statue that takes pride of place above the entrance to the house – affectionately addressed as Sir Owlfred Tyton Hodgins.
Contact info
1 Rougier Street, YO1 6HZ, York, United Kingdom
- 01904 501911
- info@hootingowldistillery.co.uk
- hootingowl.co.uk
Excellent service
Easy to use website, great company and the order was completed with speed.
Great product can highly recommend
July 21, 2024
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Special present
I bought your gin for a friends birthday and she was thrilled to bits,so I’ll have to wait to hear back.
However, your prompt service and professional attitude definitely deserves a 10
May 28, 2024
A hidden gem!
The owner is so passionate about his products, he is a great tour guide, has some fantastic stories and I loved how he has used his life experience to inspire the gins he makes.
We were made really welcome and we stayed in the bar afterwards as it was so lovely
May 25, 2024
Style and sophistication
We visited the Hooting Owl yesterday ( Wednesday 22nd ) in the early afternoon on a day trip from Preston to York , found it purely by accident , slightly off the beaten track.
Walked through the door and it definitely had the wow factor . A stylish and upmarket establishment that has gone the extra mile to appeal to discerning customers. Our welcome from Tom behind the bar was friendly and professional, he’s a credit to the business.
The beer , wine and Prosecco was made even more enjoyable by sitting in sumptuous leather armchairs listening to background R&B , Soul and Motown . How cool is that !!
Highly recommend if you’re looking for a bar with class , sophistication and a delightful ambience.
May 22, 2024
Unprompted review
Deliciously smooth flavours
Ordering and delivery process was simple and efficient
Everything arrived earlier than expected for which we were thankful
But most of all the three gins purchased all have rich smooth flavours, simply perfect and being a local Yorkshire company is a bonus
May 15, 2024
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May bank holiday
Really busy Bank holiday weekend when we arrived. Made welcome by the host. We stood at the bar initially until until a table was freezing and waited around half an hour which was fine. Lovely atmosphere and good drinks. Will definitely return.
May 4, 2024
Perfect Place
Perfect Place, we love this place, perfect for couples and small groups, the drink selection is great, Gin and selection of beers , cocktails. Such a relaxing place with light music and great staff. The owners are soo welcoming, Loock out for the tours, well worth it!!
May 3, 2024
Prompt delivery and easy ordering
May 3, 2024
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It was my first visit to Hooting Owl…
It was my first visit to Hooting Owl Distillery and I was more than impressed. The place is tastefully decorated and the glass window where you can view the Distillery looks amazing. The staff were very friendly, courteous and brought drinks to our table. There is a fairly large outside seating area which is great for sitting out on warmer days.
April 24, 2024
Visiting York for a few days stumbled…
Visiting York for a few days stumbled upon this unusual and quirky pub beautify decorated and charming staff also a bonus of being able to enter a chance to win a harley davidson
April 17, 2024
Smoothest and Most Balanced
Hooting Owl Dark Rum is the smoothest and most balanced spirit I've ever tried. Whilst studying, I work in a speakeasy part time and this is superior to anything I've tried in our huge range. I was bought a bottle as a present and finished it so quickly, the next bottle I ordered was only three bottles up from the same batch. Perfect to drink neat.
April 24, 2024
Goes well with Fanta lemon
Bought this for my other half after she tried it while staying at The Churchill Hotel in York, and she brought a bottle home with us. She'll be ordering more
April 21, 2024
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Great bar lovely staff
Great bar lovely staff, most comfortable in the variety of seating options thanks
April 20, 2024
The delivery time is nearly as good as…
The delivery time is nearly as good as the gin which we would give 100%.
April 17, 2024
Friendly staff and reasonable prices
April 16, 2024
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Gin O’clock
Great products & a lovely place to have a drink, I would definitely recommend them.
April 3, 2024
Was something a little different from…
Was something a little different from must drink venue's in York
April 2, 2024
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