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Discover WhataHoot gin, rum, vodka, miniatures and gift sets, all created with character and a distinctly Norfolk point of view.
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Our story
FAMILY OWNED. DISTINCTLY WHATAHOOT.
Dabble, Tinker & Enjoy
WhataHoot is a family-run distillery in the heart of King’s Lynn, creating characterful spirits, memorable experiences and plenty of reasons to raise a glass. From our historic King Street home, we distil our range of gin, rum and vodka, welcome visitors into The Pantry and bar, and invite curious drinkers to dabble, tinker and enjoy in our Gin School & Spirit Lounge.
Started by Jason & Nicky Crown
Dabble, Tinker & Enjoy
IT STARTED AROUND A NORFOLK KITCHEN TABLE
WhataHoot began in 2017 when husband-and-wife team Jason and Nicky Crown turned a shared curiosity for flavour into a family distillery.
The name was inspired by the barn owls heard calling across the Norfolk countryside. That same sense of place, character and curiosity still runs through everything we create.
What started as an idea around the kitchen table has grown into a working distillery and visitor destination in King’s Lynn, supported by a close-knit team who care about good spirits, good hospitality and doing things properly.
We are proud to be independent, family owned and rooted in Norfolk.
Our King's Lynn Home
A 16TH-CENTURY WAREHOUSE, RESTORED FOR A NEW CHAPTER
Tucked just off King Street, WhataHoot occupies a sympathetically restored warehouse filled with original beams, exposed brickwork and centuries of character.
Today, the building brings every part of WhataHoot together under one roof. It is where our spirits are created, where visitors can shop, drink and learn, and where our team continues to develop new flavours and ideas.
Call into The Pantry for spirits, gifts and tastings, head upstairs for a drink in the bar, or book an experience in the Gin School & Spirit Lounge.
- Working Norfolk distillery, shop and tasting space
- Distillery tours and masterclasses
- WhataHoot Bar, Gin School & Spirit Lounge
- Private events and group bookings
Milestones
THE WHATAHOOT STORY SO FAR
A short history of how WhataHoot became a multi award-winning Norfolk distillery.
December 2017
WhataHoot is founded
Jason, Nicky and Ethan begin building WhataHoot around a shared love of flavour, craft and Norfolk.
January 2018
The first WhataHoot spirits are created
Early recipes are developed through experimentation, careful tasting and plenty of tinkering.
February 2018
Moved into Flitcham
The first dedicated home for distilling WhataHoot spirits.
May 2018
WhataHoot Signature Dry was created
Norfolk samphire and lavender, infused with distilled Norfolk water.
July 2018
HootFruit Mixed Fruits was invented
The first of WhataHoot's dried fruit garnishes — the ultimate serve upgrade.
March 2019
Tawny Orange Gin was launched
A flavour-packed orange gin that's gone on to become a customer favourite.
July 2019
Best Newcomer, Muddy Stilettos Awards
Early recognition for WhataHoot's growing range.
September 2019
WhataHoot Orange & Gin Curd launched
The first WhataHoot conserve.
October 2019
HootFruit Mixed Berries & Oranges added
The HootFruit garnish range grows.
February 2020
King's Lynn Mayor's Business Award for Innovation
Local recognition for the WhataHoot story so far.
March 2020
WhataHoot Handrub Sanitiser
WhataHoot's distilling capability was turned to support the NHS and care providers during the Coronavirus crisis.
April 2020
We rebranded
A refreshed look ready for the next chapter.
August 2020
The King's Lynn distillery opens
After months of restoration, the WhataHoot Distillery opened in the heart of King's Lynn, marked with the launch of Navy Strength Gin.
April 2022
Raspberry & Pink Peppercorn Gin
A new flavour joins the range after months of development.
Since then
A growing flock
A rum collection, Sloe Gin, Strawberry & Passion Fruit Gin and a growing team bring the Gin School, Spirit Lounge and bar fully to life — with more in the works.
DISCOVER MORE OF WHATAHOOT
WhataHoot is more than a bottle. Explore our spirits, visit our King’s Lynn home or book an experience to see what happens behind the scenes.
Visit
Come and see us
Visit the shop, enjoy a drink in the bar or discover our historic King’s Lynn distillery.
Plan your visitexperience
Dabble, tinker and enjoy
Book a distillery tour, cocktail masterclass or make-your-own gin experience at WhataHoot.
Explore experiencesFor trade
Stock WhataHoot
Join the bars, restaurants and independent retailers serving WhataHoot spirits across the UK.
Become a StockistGood to know
A little more about WhataHoot, our spirits and our King’s Lynn home.
What is WhataHoot?
WhataHoot is a family-run craft distillery based in King’s Lynn, Norfolk. We create our own range of gin, rum and vodka and run a shop, bar and programme of distillery experiences from our historic King Street home.
Who Founded WhataHoot?
WhataHoot was founded by husband-and-wife team Jason and Nicky Crown in 2017. Today, it remains an independent, family-run business supported by the wider WhataHoot team.
Why is it called WhataHoot?
The name comes from Jason and Nicky's lifelong love of the barn owls that inhabit the skies across Norfolk — the owl's calling card became the brand's calling card.
Can I visit where WhataHoot is made?
Yes. The distillery, Pantry shop, Gin School & Spirit Lounge and bar are all in the same 16th century building just off King Street, King's Lynn.
Can I buy WhataHoot as a gift?
Yes. You can choose from bottles, miniatures, gift sets and experience vouchers online or from The Pantry at the distillery.
Where are WhataHoot spirits made?
Our spirits are developed and produced from our distillery in King’s Lynn, Norfolk.