York Gin named finalist in Press Best Retailer award

The award seeks to find York’s best hidden gems, celebrating the small businesses that line the city’s high street.

The shop, which first opened in the 16th century Sir Thomas Herbert’s House in the city centre in 2019, offers a unique blend of locally distilled gins, tastings and experiences.

It compliments a boutique distillery located in the Middleton’s Hotel in Skeldergate.

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Speaking about this, creator Emma Godivala said: “Everything we do and make is of the highest quality, we are open and honest, and we show the greatest respect to people and planet.

“Powered by green energy, plastic-free and sending zero waste to landfill, we are a Living Wage employer and support local charities and good causes.”

The shop opened in 2019 and has gone from strength to strength, adding a boutique distillery last year (Image: Matthew Kitchen Photography)

York Gin has been the subject of multiple awards, including gold medal certification at the world’s top spirit competitions.

It is set to launch three limited-edition gins to support three charities close to the company’s heart – St Nicholas Fields, York Cats Protection and St Leonard’s Hospice.

Emma said: “These are hot off the press and details will be made public over the next few weeks.

“We will also be at North Yorkshire Cat Centre (York Cats Protection) 25th anniversary fundraiser this summer.”

Customers at the York Gin shop greeted by one of the team’s expert staff members (Image: Matthew Kitchen Photography)

The shop is dog friendly and offers a huge variety of gins, including best-seller Old Tom, London Dry and Outlaw Navy, which can come in miniatures, or as personalised bottles or as delicious marmalades.

For those wanting a more in-depth experience, York Gin Distillery offers additional tastings and gin-making sessions, guided by experts.

Speaking about the recognition in the Press Best Independent Retailer competition, Emma said: “It means so much to be part of the York community.

“We are definitely not only open for tourists.

“Our refill station, which gives a significant discount for customers who bring in a bottle to be refilled, shows our commitment to providing York residents with a great reason to visit.”

You can select York Gin as your winner this year by filling out a voting slip, which is included in each edition of our paper until Thursday (May 14).