Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism at York Distillery
We believe tourism should do more than minimise harm – it should actively create positive change. At York Distillery, our approach goes beyond sustainability: we aim to support York’s communities, heritage, and environment, ensuring our work contributes to the city’s long-term wellbeing.
Climate and Carbon Reduction
How are you reducing carbon emissions?
Like our sister site, the York Gin shop, the Distillery is powered entirely by renewable energy. Deliveries are made using our electric van, and we operate a circular system of re-usable jerry cans to restock our gins – reducing packaging waste to zero. We also prioritise partnerships with independent venues that are walkable from our site, removing the need for additional transport.
Circular Economy
How do you avoid waste and reuse materials?
The Distillery itself is a circular project – created by repurposing a disused swimming pool at Middleton’s Hotel, giving new life to a “dead” space without increasing York’s built footprint. Our fit-out used reclaimed and upcycled materials from local partners such as PurePallets and the Conservation Trust. In daily operations, we reuse and recycle wherever possible, from repurposing cardboard to offering refill options, ensuring no waste goes to landfill.
Biodiversity and Botanicals
How are you supporting nature and biodiversity?
Our gin-making classes and events use sustainably sourced botanicals, and we are increasingly integrating natural elements into our experiences. Within the hotel grounds, our botanical garden has been replanted from an award-winning RHS show, featuring edible plants and botanicals used in our gins. This living garden connects visitors with the natural ingredients behind our spirits while supporting local biodiversity.
Supporting York and Local Communities
How do you give back to York and the local economy?
York Distillery reflects the city’s proud tradition as a hub of food and drink innovation. We source from and collaborate with local suppliers, artisans, and creatives – from Bessie’s Preserves to Ampleforth Abbey ciders and Kirkstall Brewery beers – ensuring visitor spending supports the local economy. We also work with local hotels, attractions, and tour operators to enrich York’s visitor offer, sharing success across the community.
Our Ethos
What is your overall approach to regenerative tourism?
By combining climate-conscious practices, circular design, biodiversity initiatives, and local partnerships, we ensure our visitors experience York responsibly. Our aim is simple: for every visit to York Distillery to leave a positive footprint – on people, place, and planet.