ABOUT:

What was the inspiration behind starting your distillery?

I've always worked in hospitality and coming to the UK was an eye opener of note.

Moving to London and being at the forefront of the craft beer revolution and seeing the progression of small and independent breweries was just so refreshing.

The excuse to move to the coast and return to the ocean was the final push I needed!

What was your career and interests until the point of deciding to start a spirits business or work for one?

I was a publican. I had a pub in central London, called The Lukin.

I miss it, it was a great craic, but I wouldn't change what we are building at Pocketful of Stones for the world. 

What are your views on the future of the spirits industry and it's current state?

If I could answer one question.....

I don't know to be honest. I have no idea what the next big thing is going to be.

All I know is that we are going to continue to be honest to ourselves, make spirits with integrity whilst still being as creative as possible.

What plans do Pocketful Of Stones have for the future?

We are looking for new premises at the minute but its fair to say we would like to get back into the pub / bar game, grow the tasting side of things and bring in hospitality training.

What do you find the most challenging in your day to day role?

Admin!

What are your views on sustainability?

Ah, we've got to endeavour to be as sustainable as possible don't we!

We are seeing real problems in the packaging world. Both cardboard and glass are becoming issues. I really hope, as an industry we will not just grab the first solution to the detriment of the planet.

Is there a spirit or variation, not in your portfolio, that you are really keen to create and why?

We've got some really sexy whiskies coming, they will be available soon. 

What is your favourite part of your job?

The 3pm Gin and Tonic!

If you could have any celebrity as an apprentice, who would it be and why?

Ann from Ann's Pasties! Best pasties in the world!

If you had a time machine would you travel to the past or the future and why?

The past. I like the idea of a life without mobile phones and instant access to anything we want.

I like the romance of waiting months on end for a letter and sitting in a library engulfed with books looking for information on distilling.

What would your spirit animal be and why?

I would be an Agave Bat. Knowing that I was pollinating Tequila would make me very happy!

If you ran away and joined the circus, what would your act be?

Ha! I don't know, a grumpy bear I think.

and finally ...........

What would your first steps be in a zombie apocalypse?

Putting nails through a baseball bat maybe.