Private venue hire · York city centre · From 4 to 40 guests
Private event space for hire in York
York Distillery is a unique private venue for hire in York city centre. A boutique speakeasy-style space with working copper gin stills, a private bar and a genuinely distinctive atmosphere, available for private parties, hen parties, corporate events, team building, wedding receptions and celebrations of all kinds.
When you hire York Distillery, the whole space is yours. Your own private bar, your own music, your own occasion. No other groups, no sharing, no interruptions. Just you and your guests in one of York's most characterful rooms.
Unlike a hotel function room or generic event space, York Distillery offers something no other venue in York can. Guests can make their own gin on our copper stills, enjoy a private gin tasting or take part in a cocktail making party as part of their hire.
Located in the grounds of Middleton's Hotel on Skeldergate, walkable from anywhere in York city centre and five minutes from Clifford's Tower. Pricing is flexible. Get in touch to discuss your event.
Seated (boardroom style)
Up to 12 guests
Seated (raised tables)
Up to 26 guests
Standing capacity
Up to 40–60 guests
Price from
£240 (2 hrs, Sun–Thu)
Location
Skeldergate, YO1 6DS
Nearest landmark
5 min walk from Clifford's Tower
The venue
What York Distillery offers
York Distillery is a genuinely distinctive private hire venue. The speakeasy-style room sits alongside working copper gin stills, a private bar and a beautifully fitted interior that makes for a memorable setting for any occasion. It is intimate enough to feel special, flexible enough to work for a wide range of events.
Pricing
Sunday to Thursday · 2 hours
£240 minimum
Covers up to 6 people, includes 2 drinks per person. £40 per additional guest.
Friday and Saturday · 2 hours
£360 minimum
Covers up to 9 people, includes 2 drinks per person. £40 per additional guest.
Morning hire · 4 hours · 10am–2pm
£240 minimum
Sunday to Thursday. Ideal for workshops, meetings and morning celebrations.
Food
Nibbles included
Simple nibbles are included with all hires (nut-free, gluten-free options available). If you want a full meal, bring your own food for a £50 cleaning fee, or order from Middleton's Hotel kitchen, prices on application.
- Seating for up to 28 guests. Comfortable seated capacity for private events, tastings, workshops and presentations.
- Standing capacity for up to 40 guests. Ideal for drinks receptions, networking and celebrations.
- Private bar. Fully stocked with our award-winning York Gin range, spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks. Staffed with York Gin experts.
- TV screen with AV inputs. Connect a laptop or device to the screen, or send us files. Suitable for presentations, slideshows and video.
- Sonos sound system. Connect your own playlist and set the mood from the moment guests arrive.
- Hearing loop. Available for guests with hearing aids.
- Food. Simple nibbles are included with all hires (nut-free venue, gluten-free options available). For a meal, bring your own food for a £50 cleaning fee, or order from the Middleton's Hotel - prices on application.
- Hosted gin tasting for up to 28 guests. A private guided gin tasting, led by our own York Gin experts.
- Gin School for up to 16 guests. Make your own gin on one of our eight copper stills. An unforgettable experience for groups - 16 people with 2 sharing a still, 24 with 3 sharing.
- Cocktail making for up to 20 guests. A private cocktail making party, exclusively yours.
- Personalised engraved bottles. Perfect for weddings, birthdays and corporate gifts. Guests can make their own bespoke recipe on the day or order in advance.
- Hotel accommodation nearby. Middleton's Hotel is right on the doorstep, with hotel stays and bespoke packages available for overnight guests.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How many people can York Distillery accommodate?
York Distillery comfortably seats 12 guests around one round table, or up to 26 using our raised tables. With standing space included we can accommodate between 40 and 60 guests. We welcome groups from four people upwards.
How is private hire priced?
Pricing is based on a minimum spend. Sunday to Thursday, a two-hour hire is £240, covering up to 6 people with 2 drinks per person included. Friday and Saturday, the minimum is £360 for up to 9 people on the same basis. Additional guests are £40 each on either day. Morning hire (10am to 2pm, four hours, Sunday to Thursday) is also £240. For longer bookings or larger groups, get in touch and we will put together a package.
Can you provide food?
Yes. Excellent food can be delivered to York Distillery directly from the Middleton's Hotel kitchen. External caterers can also be accommodated on request.
What AV equipment is available?
York Distillery has a TV screen with AV inputs for laptop connection, a Sonos sound system you can connect your own playlist to, and a hearing loop for guests with hearing aids.
Can we do a gin tasting or gin school as part of our event?
Yes. Private hosted gin tastings for up to 28 guests, gin school sessions for up to 16 guests and cocktail making parties for up to 20 guests can all be incorporated into your private hire booking.
Can you do personalised or engraved bottles for our event?
Yes. Personalised engraved bottles are available and are particularly popular for weddings and corporate gifts. Guests can make their own bespoke recipe during the event or order bottles in advance.
Is there parking at York Distillery?
On-site parking is available for guests of Middleton's Hotel. The nearest public car parks are Nunnery Lane and St George's Field, both around five minutes on foot. If you have accessibility requirements and need to park on site, please mention this when enquiring.
Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
Unfortunately our venue has steps and is not fully accessible for all visitors. A hearing loop is available. If you have specific accessibility requirements, please mention this when enquiring and we will do our best to help.
Where is York Distillery?
York Distillery is located in the grounds of Middleton's Hotel on Skeldergate, York YO1 6DS. The visitor entrance is on Skeldergate itself, a short walk from Clifford's Tower and York city centre.
Make an enquiry
Enquire about private hire
Fill in the form below and we will get back to you with availability and pricing. Or email us directly at distillery@yorkgin.com.
Experiences & Gift Vouchers at York Distillery