Q: Could you talk us through your inspiration behind your knitwear design
Danni-After looking over the brief and coming to the briefing day at Lyle and Scott I decided to look further into the photographs and imagery, that I had been shown from the Lyle and Scott archives by Lynn, that had interested me most. The photos which had caught my eye the most was of the 1960s and 1970s golf tournament photographs; as Lyle & Scott are famous fro being a golfing brand, I wanted to follow this. I looked into “vintage golf photographs” and “1060s golf” imagery and came across images of auction lot vintage golfing equipment and old golf course maps. With the vintage golf ball sale lots I was most interested in the variety of ‘dotted’ dimples in the golf balls, the layout of the golf balls and the circular ‘dot’ stickers used for labelling.

Danni Fairchild's mood board

Q: What was it about your theme that particularly interested you?
Celestina- What interested me about my theme was the technical and colour aspect. I wanted to combine some rigid structure from the architecture with bright colours from the old advertising books and turn it into a fresh and new design. I wanted it to be a marriage of old meets new.
Danni- It was definitely the golf theme that interested me the most – I really love old sports images and old school sports team line up photographs, which I have a collection of, so I felt that I could kind of tie the brief in with that theme. I am always interested in collection odd items from scrap markets and collecting from auctions and city markets so I like to apply that to all my projects’ inspiration.

Q: How do you feel your design fits in with the Lyle and Scott brand.
Kate- I think my design fits in the with the Lyle and Scott brand in that it reflects heritage golf wear in the check front and the argyle style pattern on the sleeves and back but with the bright, pop colours often found in Lyle and Scott collections. The check used on the front is also my knitted interpretation of the Lyle and Scott check.
Celestina-If feel that my design fits with the Lyle and Scott brand as similarly to them I have used lots of bright colours. Also there are checks which Lyle and Scott use in their designs, in the patterns for my design I was trying to incorporate checks and tartans. I feel that it is works well with the brand aesthetic.

Celestina Vinci's initial designs.

Q: Where do you look for influence when you’re designing?
Celestina- It really depends very often it is quite random. I feel that I get drawn to something and start to incorporate it in my work. I like to look at old images of fashion, the city, anything ; I look at photography a lot. But mainly it is a collection of things I gather throughout a project, the theme tends to develop as I am going along collecting and then I just carry on with the ideas and sources I have found. Trying to develop them as I go.
Kate- I think I look for inspiration everywhere when I am designing. I try to find it in the least obvious places at first to help me think outside the box and to try to be unique. But I think books, magazines, the internet and exhibitions are all really helpful.

Q: Which designers or brands do you admire?
Danni- I am a really big fan of designers who design the highest quality, sleek modern classics using the beautiful long last yarns – brands such as ACNE, J.Crew, A.P.C or Oliver Spencer. And for some more special items I like brands such as Rag & Bone. I am also a big fan of British fashion – made in the UK using UK materials, what Campaign for Wool is encouraging, of corse Lyle & Scott amongst others.
Celestina- I really like Erdem, Raf Simmons, Leutton and Postle, Sandra Backlund, Paul Smith. My main inspiration comes from the two artists Lucy McRae and Bart Hess. I often look at what they are doing and who they are collaborating with.

Kate Annis's knit down

Q: What do you think are the future trends in menswear?
Kate- I think that we are seeing more and more bright colours in menswear and I think this trend will continue, especially bright colours teamed with basic shape garments.
Danni- I think that the future brands in menswear will be moving away from the loud printed jersey that are often seen and will move towards the sleek, modern, versatile classic knits that have been beautifully made. I think people will be buying knitwear to keep and to look stand out from its quality. A look which is contemporary yet classic.

Q: What area of fashion are you looking to get into post study?
Celestina-After my studies I would like to work for small fashion house, womenswear or menswear, that way I can learn a lot more and be part of a team. I would also like to collaborate with other design areas.
Kate- I would really like to get into ready-to-wear knitwear. I think to have the freedom to design with more technical knit structures and luxury yarns would be amazing. I really enjoy the process of experimentation and technical knitting so to be able to do something where I could continue to explore that and keep learning would be great.
Danni- Trend Forecasting, Knitwear Sampling and Freelance Design.

Keep up to date with what’s happening with Campaign for Wool campaign by following them on twitter @Campaignforwool.

Rudimental

Hey guys, thanks for taking the time to chat with us. Could you introduce yourselves?
Kesi Dryden/ Amir Amor/ Piers Aggett and Leon Rolle aka DJ Locksmith

Every time we see you, there seems to be another member. Who else is part of the Rudimental family?
We are the four core members but when we are on stage we have our extended family with us Mark Crown (trumpet), Beanie Bebhe (drums) and our vocalists Sinaed Harnett, Thomas Jules and Ella Eyre.

How long have you guys been together & how did Rudimental come about?
Three of us have been friends from childhood and grown up together in East London, and then we met Amir Amor a couple of years ago whilst in the studio. We formed Rudimental through the love of producing good music, playing instruments and dj-ing.

For anyone who hasn’t heard your music, how would you describe your sound?
We’d call it the Rudimental sound of soulful beats n bass! It’s the result of mixing live and electronic music, with some of the best UK vocals.

Who are your combined influences?
We’ve got a pretty wide range of influences. Soul 2 Soul, Massive attack, Basement Jaxx, Fugees, Todd Edwards are only some of the ones that come to mind……The list could go on!

Congratulations on getting to number 1 in the UK album chart! What are you guys up to at the moment?
The last few months have been hectic! We’ve been busy promoting our debut album Home. Earlier this year we were in The States, and recently played in Australia for the Future Music Festival. We’ve just come to the end of our UK tour and are about to go on tour in Europe. We’re playing at loads of festivals (Lovebox, Parklife and Radio 1′s Big Weekend) so it’s all about good vibes and energy for the summer!

You’ve collaborated with some incredible vocalists so far. Is there anyone you’d like to work with in the future, or any UK talent you’re keeping your eyes on?
Lauren Hill would be amazing! We’ve worked with Emile Sande which was great, but there’s lots more talented up n coming artists on our album, keep your eyes on John Newman, (who featured on our number 1 single Feel the Love) Sinead Harnett and Angel Haze.

What are you guys going to be wearing on stage this summer?
Clothes we feel comfortable and like to party in, always important for when we’re on stage. Hopefully it will be a nice summer too so we can get away with lots of shorts and tees!

Finally, if it wasn’t Rudimental, what would Plan B be?
We’d probably be music teachers!

Massive thanks to the guys for taking time to catch up with us. Catch their second UK Number 1, Waiting All Night featuring Ella Eyre below.

Pablo on the course

Q: How did you get into golf?
Well my whole family play golf. My father played for Venezuela in the World Cup, my brother is a very good golfer, and I caddied for him at the Masters in 2002. That was a fantastic experience. I knew I wanted to play golf anyway, but going to the Masters just made me want it more. So when I finished university in America I wanted to focus on golf and turn professional straight away. My father had other ideas though, he sent me to work on his fish farm so that I learnt and understood the value of money what a hard days work was. Eventually I turned professional in 2004 and I haven’t looked back since.

Q: Who were your early influences?
Well obviously my father and my brother, but Spanish golf has many great personalities. Of course there is the late Seve, he was an incredible man and someone we all looked up to. I am also good friends with Miguel Angel Jimenez and Jose Maria Olazabal.

“The joy of golf is that the top of the leader board changes from week to week, anyone can win, as long as you work hard, focus and have a little luck on your side. ..”

Q: Could you outline some of your greatest achievements so far in your career?
Well it has to be my wins at the French Open in 2008, and more recently my win at the BMW International in Munich in 2011. I beat Sergio Garcia in a play-off to take the title in Munich, he made it difficult but we had fun and I had to make three birdies to take it!
I also played in the World Cup in 2008 for Spain, it is such an honour representing your country.

Q: What do you love about golf?
It depends what kind of day I am having, sometimes everything, sometimes nothing! Seriously, I love the lifestyle, sure sometimes it can get a little repetitive being away from home and living in hotels, but we are very lucky to be doing something we love for a living. We get to see the world, stay in good hotels in some of the most amazing cities in the world.

Q: What are your favourite courses in the UK and Internationally?
The Old Course at St Andrews is probably my favourite in the UK. It is the home of golf and you can’t really top it! Wentworth, the West Course where the BMW PGA is held is also a great course, especially now that the changes have been. Internationally I love my home course, El Prat in Barcelona, it is a little bit like my second home.
The most beautiful course we play has to be Crans-Sur-Sierre GC in Crans Montana, Switzerland where the Omega European Masters is played, every hole has an incredible view!

Seve Ballesteros

Q: Why would you encourage young people to play this sport?
It can be incredibly rewarding. Don’t get me wrong it can be incredibly frustrating too but to compete with the best of the best every week in something you love is a great feeling. The joy of golf is that the top of the leader board changes from week to week, anyone can win, as long as you work hard, focus and have a little luck on your side.

Q: What are your future plans and goals?
To win a major! That is the ultimate, more than on Major would be great. I have just slipped out of the top 100 in the world golf rankings for the first time in a year and a half, so in the short term I want to play my way back in to the top 100.

Q: What is your favourite piece of “Club” in our range at the moment?
That is a tricky question because I like the whole range! I guess my favourite shirt is the Club Bold Stripe Polo shirt. My favourite colour of that shirt is the red and blue, FC Barcelona’s colours, but I also like the navy blue and white stripes.

Q: Why do you favour the Lyle and Scott brand?
I like the style and the fit of the clothes, both on the course and off it. The casual clothes are so comfortable which is essential when you travel as much as we do. The style and colours stand out from other brands on the course, and that’s what I like to do too.

Q: When you’re not playing golf, what are you doing?
I like to spend time with my girlfriend, friends and family. If I have time I like to go on holiday somewhere away from everything, last year we went to Thailand and it was so relaxing. I go to the gym, play some tennis with my brother, watch FC Barcelona play, relax and catch up with friends. You are away so much of the year that it is so nice to be able to be at home with friends and family.

Q: What’s your favourite kind of music?
I like most music, it depends what mood I am in! When I am on the range hitting balls, I like to listen to Eminem.

El Prat, Barcelona.

Q: Tell us something about you we wouldn’t know, what’s your hidden talent?
Hmm, I like to play tennis, I often play against my brother and I beat him…. well, most of the time!

Q: What do you think of the changing style of golfers? How do you feel you differ from golfers from older generations?
Well, I would like to say we are a little more colourful than most, however then you think of someone like John Daly! I think we are perhaps a little more style-conscious now, it has become a bit of a competition between us all on Tour. You want to look your best as well as play your best.

For head-to-toe, sunny season style, check out our summer pastels inspired outfit over on the blog. Remember that until the 31st May, buying two or more items will mean you benefit from free standard delivery.

1. Seersucker Shorts
2. Colour Block Sweatshirt
3. Lace Up Espadrilles
4. Madras Shirt
5. Polo Shirt
6. Fleck Pattern Socks
7. Zip Through Jacket

Judging the entries

Campaign for Wool’s popular “Wool School” initiative is rolling out for its second year, inviting fashion, textiles and design students at UK universities to compete to design wool rich sweaters for UK fashion brands and retailers. Last year Lyle & Scott were partnered with Edinburgh’s Heriot-Watt university, and we chose Claire Hunter’s finely striped, workwear-inspired jumper as our winner.

This year we’re partnered with the famous Central St Martin’s University in London and back in March we delivered our creative brief. We gave students three aesthetic drivers; Scotland, golf and knitwear, with the expectation that the visual and cultural references these conjure will inspire their final designs.

Last week our Head of Design Carolyn Massey and Knitwear Designer Lynn Cockburn ventured to the Campaign for Wool headquarters to judge the competition entries. As well as sketches of their designs, students provided mood boards, swatches, photographs and other materials to illustrate their design inspiration.

Overwhelmed with the quality of the entries this year, we decided that three finalists will see their designs sampled (manufactured as one-offs), with the winning entry going into production at our Hawick factory to be sold in Lyle & Scott stores.

In our next post we’ll interview the young designers to discuss their interpretation of the brief and inspirations behind their designs.

Q: Where did life for Attic begin?
It all began in 2001, our first store was in Aberdeen, located in the Academy centre; a converted school within the heart of the city. Since then we have expanded to three stores in the North East and Highlands of Scotland. Our Inverurie Store, situated within a small but busy town 30 minutes north of the Aberdeen flagship store, and more recently and much further north is our Inverness store which will be approaching its second birthday this September. Finally we have the website (atticclothing.com) which is run from Aberdeen and has been growing ever since 2003.

Q: What’s your brand ethos?
We aim to bring our customers some of the best and most respected branded clothing available; our stores carry a wide range of brands that offer something for everyone. We aim to offer products that not only look great but are of the best quality, and have an exclusivity to them that means you can be sure you won’t see ten other people in the street wearing the exact same thing. We still uphold the very same values that were formed at Attic’s conception that’s to say we have not sacrificed quality, style or exclusivity during our 11 and a half years of trading.

“We’ve expanded from our first store located in a converted school in Aberdeen, with our second in Inverness and third in Inverurie..”

Q: What’s your favourite thing about the store?
Apart from the stock, which always creates a buzz when it lands, it has to be the staff and the customers. We have a strong team which have a passion for the products and welcoming and friendly attitudes that makes Attic an enjoyable place to work and shop.
We have customers who have been returning to the store ever since we started and have become regulars and friends. As well as our collection of loyal customers who have grown with Attic and whose styles have changed over the times, we are always happy to see new customers that come to Aberdeen to study or work.

Q: How would you describe the style of guys in Aberdeen?
Thankfully there isn’t just one style that defines our local customers that’d be pretty boring if that was the case. There’s quite a mix of styles and influences which can be found locally. We try to carry stock which is timeless and of a high quality. We’re sure we have something for everyone.

Aberdeen

Q: What’s your favourite thing about Aberdeen? One of our favourite things about Aberdeen is the location, we have mountains, the sea and an amazing landscape on our doorstep and in the city centre there’s a cool emerging scene of musicians and artists.

Q: Where’s the best night out?
There are plenty of places to go out to in Aberdeen. If you want somewhere nice to drink with a relaxed atmosphere there’s the Tippling House which offers fantastic cocktails in a cool subterranean setting. Bar 99 also has a warm and friendly vibe. If you’re looking to get loose, Let it Bleed nights are always decent with highly respected DJ’s on the bill. Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs played last weekend, and Simian Mobile Disco are playing soon. Local label come good Tuffwax (@tuffwax) put on great nights and are making waves in the music scene and Snafu has a cool vibe and great music. If its women you’re after, you’re best going to Paramount, NOX or TigerTiger. Some really nice local restaurants include Café 52, Yatai, Moonfish or La Stella. There are tonnes of good places to drink and eat in Aberdeen though, there’s quite a bit of choice.

Moonfish Cafe, Aberdeen

Q: What do you and your customers like best about Lyle and Scott, what are your best selling pieces in store?
We’ve been stocking Lyle and Scott Vintage since 2006, and we’d have to say the best selling Lyle & Scott products are the basic polo which we stock in a large range of colours, and the lightweight jackets which fly out. Our customers come back time and time again to Lyle & Scott for the quality of the garments, the great fit, the value for money, the exclusivity and the huge range of styles and colour-ways.

Q: If you could invite any celebrity to your store to spend a day with you, who would that be?
We have an eclectic taste of Celebrity but we all agree they have to be famous for being good at something, and not just famous for being famous. Some of the names we came up with include: David Attenborough, Stephen Fry, André 3000, Professor Brian Cox, Sasha Grey, Rob Brydon, Jay Z, Steve Buscemi, Quentin Tarantino, and Steve Coogan.

Q: How can we follow you?
Follow us at our online store; Atticclothing.com, Facebook.com/atticclothing , Instagram and Twitter @atticclothing .

Anton Haig in action

Q: How did you get into golf?
I’ve playing golf from a young age as my grandmother played for South Africa as an amateur, and my parents and brothers were quite handy so it was in my DNA. But my promising cricket career was derailed by a knee injury which led me to golf almost by default. Serendipity at its best!

Q: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Mpumalanga, White River which is down near the Kruger National Park in South Africa. I was brought up as a farm boy and loved every minute of that life. I am still a farm boy at heart and really miss that place.

“It’s been one eventful roller coaster! The highs and lows of success and failure, I have been to heaven and hell and back again with golf..”

Q: Where has golf taken you?
It’s been one eventful roller coaster! The highs and lows of success and failure, the peaks and troughs of being physically fit and ravaged with injury. I have been to heaven and hell and back again with golf.

Q: Could you outline some of your greatest achievements so far in your career?
My biggest achievement have been the Johnnie Walker in 2007, Malaysian Open 2006, Zambian Open 2006, Egolf Tour 2012, Seekers Pro Am in 2005. Due to a serious neck injury and some other issues, I had to retire in 2011 so coming back from that and defying my doctor’s prognosis certainly ranks up there amongst my greatest achievements.

Q: Do you have any advice you’d give any other young golfers?
If it’s golf you love, then be prepared for endless hours of practice! It’s a game where you are constantly working on something. You need to be so focused and self-driven. But patience is the biggest factor. When things are going well, people will always be there for you and want to be around you. It can be a very lonely game so you will need all your friends and family to help you through the dark days and the times when everything is a struggle.

Q: What is it you love about golf the most?
Golf is exactly like life! Risks, rewards, opportunities and failures lurk around every corner or can stare you in the face. You make the decision as to what shot to play and you live with the consequences, just like in life. Nothing beats the feeling of nailing that perfect golf shot and the rush of winning is incredible!

St Andrews in Scotland, one of the oldest golf courses in the world.

Q: What are your favourite courses in the UK and Internationally?
In the UK, I love to play at Wentworth, Sunningdale, St Andrews, Royal Troon and Muirfield Village. Links courses are awesome and Scotland has some of the best in the World! Internationally I get a great buzz playing Pebble Beach in the US and both Leopard Creek and the Links at Fancourt in South Africa.

Q: What are your future plans and goals?
I’m playing the Asian Tour this year which I believe in time will grow to be as big as the PGA Tour and I want to regain my European Tour card back in the next 2 years. Beyond that, getting inside the top 10 in the world and of course, bringing The Claret Jug home to the family farm!

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love to catch up on my sleep as being a golfer you are in different time zones all the time, so your body never really has time to adjust. Love spending time with my nephews and nieces and boy are they busy! They keep me fit! I love catching up with friends. Did I mention I love deep house music? I’m always up for a night out on the dance floor!!!

Q:Tell us something about you we wouldn’t know, a hidden talent?
My dancing! While not quite Fred Astaire, I’ve got some secret weapons to unleash on the dance-floor! Thankfully I haven’t become a viral hit on YouTube for all the wrong reasons yet!

Q: Who was your favourite golfer growing up and what is it that do you like about their style?
Ernie Els has always been a hero to me! What he has done for golf is amazing. He is a true icon in SA. Great golf swing, very composed and a die-hard attitude! I love that he’s called ‘The Big Easy’…his effortless style has taken bucket-loads of effort to perfect.

Ernie Els, Haigs' golfing icon.

Q: What is your favourite piece of “Club” in our range at the moment and What do you like about the Lyle and Scott brand?
I like all the clothes in the club range, all unique and offer something different for a new occasion. Lyle and Scott are the best fitting clothes out there as I like a tight slim fit. Very trendy and slick, I feel as I’m always the best dressed golfer! If I feel great, then I play great. Check out our club range here

Q: What do you think of the changing style of golfers? How do you feel you differ from golfers from older generations?
It’s amazing what people do to get noticed these days! I must say I think it’s great for golf and it gives you the opportunity to bring out some flair and character whilst on the course. I look after myself much better by eating correctly and having a strict physical training programme.

At Lyle and Scott, we’ve made a name for ourselves crafting and creating innovative, statement sweaters sported by the likes of golfing legends Gary Player, Ian Baker Finch and Lee Westwood in numerous golf championships. Moving away from the traditional and more gentlemanly look donned by players in the fifties and earlier, golfers became more adventurous with their approach to on course dressing. Sporting eye catching graphic jumpers & attention grabbing polos in lively colour combos, the courses became the perfect platform for making a fashion statement.

After sifting through our extensive Hawick archives, our London design department hark back to the 80s and reminisce over Lyle and Scotts great sporting history . One of this seasons key pieces is the re-issue of our Turnberry jumper, worn by Greg “The Shark” Norman during his win in the 1986 Open. Resisting 30 mile an hour winds and vicious Scottish weather conditions, Norman remained on par making shots that he later said surprised himself, earning him his first major golf win and leading him to his Championship victory.We recently wished Greg Norman a Happy Birthday, to read more about his golfing career head here

We have refreshed and reinvented graphic golf gear in testimony to decades of experience and know how in producing sartorially superior sports attire. Spring Summers Graphic Knitwear trend is a throwback to the exuberant eighties, featuring a colour block Sash Sweater, colour block Sash Polo and Graphic Cardigan with tartan inspired stripes. The Graphic Knitwear trend combines retro undertones with a sleek, modern golfing aesthetic. Our 100% Pima Cotton knits offer both comfort and durability, whilst our pique polo’s are an ideal choice for performance and leisure wear. Shop the collection here.

Q: Thanks for having us at your store! Could you tell us a bit about Accent Clothing?

Thanks for coming! Accent Clothing was born in 1984 in Queens Arcade, Leeds so we’re a family run business which has been around for over four decades. Our brand ethos is to source the best denim and fashion labels and offer an impeccable level of customer service to our customers. We’re proud of our ability to predict trends, and bring our customers what they want; good quality product.


Q: What are some of your best achievements to date?
Becoming the largest single door independent account for a variety of key brands over the last 29 years has to be our best achievement to date! We’re really proud of the relationships we’ve built up with the people we stock, and also our customers who come through our doors month after month.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about the store?
The atmosphere and the buzz on the shop floor. Our staff really drive this and make it a really cool place to come and shop in Leeds. We also love the lifestyle feel and our huge denim wall which is quite a feature.

Q: What are your future plans?
To continue to offer great clothes and excellent customer service. Our sales philosophy has always been to treat our customers as friends so we have a strong and loyal customer following because of this.

Q: How would you describe the style of guys in your town/ city, what’s the look?
Leeds is a proper lad’s city. Your average Leeds lad can be seen in a great pair of designer jeans matched with a quality polo shirt. Their style hints back to the casual terrace look, but is smart too, as we have such a good nightlife scene here.

Q: What’s your favourite thing about your city? Where would you recommend heading to?
Leeds is a really laid back kind of city. It’s a really cool place for a city break, loads of culture, brilliant shopping whether here in the Queens Arcade or in the Victoria Quarter, it has it all. The infamous Call Lane is the best place to be whether you want mid-week dinner, after work drinks or a bar crawl on a Saturday night. One of Europe’s longest standing club night Back to Basics is right here in Leeds and there’s also District bar which gives that underground club feel in an exclusive little bar. If rock and roll is more you’re thing check out Mojo’s, a great cocktail bar in the centre of the city. There are plenty of nice restaurants in Leeds too; my favourites are Gaucho, Bibi’s, The Living Room and The Restaurant Bar and Grill There are some smaller French restaurants which are also worth checking out, Kendells Bistro and Souz le Nez to name a few.

“Leeds is a great place for a city break. Loads of culture, brilliant shopping, it has it all..”

Q: How long have you been stocking Lyle and Scott?
We’ve been working with Lyle and Scott since 1999, so have a pretty longstanding relationship with you guys.

Q: What do you and your customers like best about Lyle and Scott, what are your best selling pieces in store?
Our guys really like the wide range of colours available in the polo’s and tees and also the quality of the 100% Scottish lamb’s wool, they tend to be our winning items in Accent.

Q: If you could invite any celebrity to your store to spend a day with you, who would that be?
David Bowie, he has such distinctive style and is just a general fashion icon and all around legend! We’d have an awesome day with him in store.

Follow Accent – Twitter: @AccentClothing
Instagram: Accentclothing
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/accent.clothing

Mojo Bar, Leeds

Q: Tell us a bit about yourself:
I’ve always been in and around bars and restaurants and due to my love of food and drink have never really wanted to leave them. My career started at my local Cuban bar in Leicester Bar Dos Hermanos churning out 75 Mojitos a night, I haven’t made a mojito for a while but I still love making drinks.

Q: What have you been up to recently?
I am currently working in Manchester as The Northern Brand Ambassador for Martin Millers Gin which involves educating people on an amazing gin, hosting mixology competitions as well as organising and hosting gourmet food pairing evenings. As well as my Gin work I’m helping to set up a bar in The Northern Quarter called The Whiskey Jar- doing things like writing their cocktail menu, creating cool serves and just generally making it a lovely watering hole. I’m preparing to make the move down to the Big Smoke though, and will be taking up the reigns of city bar, the city of London distillery where you can watch the gin being made before your eyes.

Q: What was the last competition you were in and what are some of your best achievements to date?
The most recent competition I was in was The Pink Pigeon Rum competition at ‘The Underdog Shoreditch’, you had to create two drinks and compete against 14 other bartenders. Luckily I nailed it, with a little bit of help from a melon carver and a chocolatier… In the past year or so I also won the Asahi Rising Star Molecular Mixology competion and the 2012 Benedictine Grand Prix.

Q: Where has the art of cocktail making taken you?
Well the thing about these competitions is the amazing prizes you receive from doing well. Through winning the Pink Pigeon competition I’m due to compete in the global final in Mauritius next month, I’ve heard it’s pretty decent out there! Last year I won a trip of a lifetime to Tokyo. I also had the chance to visit The Benedictine Palace/Distillery in Fecamp, Normandy where we ate a seven course meal in the palace banquet room and had the chance to see the 800 year old recipe manuscripts with the palace historian, as well as venturing out on the granddady of all bar crawls; the ‘cocktail safari’ around the best bars in Paris.

Q: What’s your favourite cocktail bar in the (UK and/or international)?
I love The Experimental Cocktail Clubs in London and Paris, 69 Colebrooke Row owned by an industry legend Tony C, a beautiful little place in Angel where you can get amazing drinks and pretend like you know how to nod your head to jazz. Bar High 5 in Tokyo is also owned by another legend Ueno H, no frills just tasty liquor and plenty of Japanese Whisky. But for a party you can’t beat the Manchester Tiki bars Hula, Keko Moku and The Liars Club.

Q: Could you talk us through your style?
Hard to answer this question without sounding pretentious! I’m into British Heritage brands, and try to invest in quality pieces that will last for a few seasons, Lyle and Scott shirts are always smart, but transitional. I like to mix this with some cool vintage pieces too, but you can catch me in anything from tweed jackets and scarves, to flip-flops and sunnies.

Q: You’ve kindly made us an official Lyle and Scott cocktail, what was your inspiration for this? Could you tell us what’s in it/ how to make it?
Well as Lyle and Scott is a classic scottish brand I had to use Scotch, I wanted create something that reflected Lyle and Scotts modern, classic aesthetic today. I decided to use a complex yet mixable blended scotch alongside a tiny bit of intense peaty scotch to give it that mysterious taste which will transport you to the wonderful beaches of the Scottish highlands! Almond & Apricot are a match made in heaven and work wonderfully with scotch. The smoked sea salt element should give all those flavours a lift, lemon is added for balance, egg white to give the drink a wonderful mouth feel and the accent of peach to give the drink an extra freshness. The name is a homage to the gents who statrted it all off, William Lyle & Walter Scott. Enjoy and Sláinte!

Will or Walt he?
40ml Scotch (blend, unpeated),
5ml Islay Scotch (heavily peated)
10ml Apricot Liquor,
15ml Almond Syrup,
20ml Lemon Juice,
1 dash of peach Bitters,
Pinch of Smoked Sea Salt
20ml Egg White

Method
-Pour all ingredients into a Boston glass/cocktail shaker.
-Fill shaker with ice and shake it like you’ve got some.
-Strain drink back into Boston glass/cocktail shaker and discard
ice and then shake like you’ve got a whole load more…
(This is to make the drink lovely and frothy)
-To serve pour drink over ice and garnish with a nice long
orange zest spreading all the oils over the drink. Whack a
tasty bowl of salted almonds alongside and Roberts your
fathers brother.

-Slàinte

Will or Walt He & City of London Distillery.