A former swimming pool in York could soon be the home of a very different liquid-based leisure activity.
The long-disused pool area at Middletons Hotel on Skeldergate would become a “distillery experience” under plans just submitted.
York Gin’s working distillery would be based here, alongside a gin school and tasting classes.
It would see their world-beating range of gins being produced inside the city walls for the first time.
Meanwhile, people will have the opportunity to see the gins being made, to make their own gin to take home, and to learn tricks and tips of gin and spirit tasting.
Under the plans now in with City of York Council, a new timber floor would be installed over the old empty swimming pool.
New bar areas would be created, new entrance doors added and distilling equipment installed.
The former pool area is in part of the Grade II listed building at 52 Skeldergate, which is also home to Emperors Gym, part of Middletons Hotel. The gym will be unaffected by the plans.
If all goes to plan, what will be known as York Distillery will open in the grounds of Middletons Hotel in early summer.
York Drinks is the company that makes York Gin. Operations director Natalie Hall said: “The new city centre distillery will provide a fantastic addition to York’s tourism offer.
“But we expect locals and hotel guests will embrace the York Distillery too.
“The gin-making classes will provide a brilliant educational and fun activity for three hours.
“And our hugely successful five-star gin tasting experiences currently hosted in the York Gin shop on Pavement will be housed in a more comfortable, purposely-designed and inspiring location.
“We are delighted to be working with such a beautiful and iconic property as Middletons Hotel for the York Distillery. We both share the same ethos of providing unforgettable experiences and fabulous customer service.”
Adam Wardale, general manager of Middletons Hotel and Emperors Gym, said: “We’re pleased to be working alongside York Gin to drive forward this fantastic new scheme – one which would no doubt be an exciting addition to the city’s fast-growing hospitality and tourism offering, all whilst working with a company that shares our core values.
“The proposed new distillery would not only bring disused space back to life, but would also help attract more footfall to the area which is already host to a variety of independent businesses.”
Multi award winning
Since it launched its first gin in 2018, the entire York Gin range has been made within York.
It claims to be the city’s first legal distillery – as many illegal gin makers thrived here over the centuries.
If approved, the plans mean the York Gin range would now be made within the city centre for the first time.
The gins have won many awards, including double gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, as well as securing a gold outstanding medal at the International Wine & Spirit Competition.
Number 52 Skeldergate dates from 1839 and was originally a steam-powered sawmill. There is also a 20th century extension which housed the pool.
A heritage statement submitted with the plans states: “The proposed changes to 52 Skeldergate on the Lady Anne Middleton hotel site are driven by a desire to keep the building economically viable so that the individual building and the wider site can be suitably maintained and safeguarded.
“The approach proposed here is to minimise harm to historic fabric and the visual aspects of the historic setting.”
In 2022, York Gin proposed turning the former Boots store in Coppergate into a distillery and cocktail bar.
That plan lapsed after a ‘perfect storm’, including Covid and a major theft, struck the company. Now it is back on the up, the Middletons Hotel location will be regarded by many as a better fit for all parties.