Alex has been involved in the drinks world ever since he was allowed into bars. Having cocktail bartended his way through his time at the University of Manchester, Alex then worked his way through various roles in the hospitality industry, running restaurants and bars.
Alex moved down to London and managed various bars before starting work for the Tate Art galleries. Initially managing the bars across the galleries Alex then became focused on sourcing wines, beers, and spirits for the galleries and events. As well as training all their staff to make delicious cocktails and all about the wines, spirits, and beers sold across the galleries.
He also had the pleasure to create various bespoke beers and gins for sale across the galleries with different breweries across the UK including Magic Rock, Fourpure, Marble brewery, Harbour and Northern Monk, and the Tate gin with Ian Hart of the Sacred Distillery.
There he fell back in love with education through the WSET courses and moved his way through the various wine and spirits courses, after completing his WSET Diploma in 2011 Alex then completed the WSET Educator programme so he could share his passion and pass on his knowledge.
Alex then expanded his skills to teaching beer as a Beer Sommelier for the IBD Beer Academy as well as completing Brewlab's Practical Brewing Qualification.
Alex then left the Tate and became Head of Beer for the Draft House pub group, a craft beer specialist, before setting up TheDrinkSchool in London, focusing on WSET education and consultancy to the hospitality industry.
Upon moving to Reading Alex joined the Local Wine School network as the perfect way to continue his passion within the most established network of Wine Schools in the country.
Alex believes that the world of wine should be open and accessible for everyone with an interest.
Most of all, whether tasting or studying for an exam, Alex believes wine, beer, and spirits should be fun!
Favourite wine? It's almost impossible to choose but you'll find me drinking more Riesling than anything else. Dönnhoff's Tonschiefer Dry Slate Riesling was one of our wedding wines and remains a firm favourite.
Favourite food & wine pairing? I originally trained as a chef before switching to the front-of-house and spend my evenings cooking when I'm not talking about wine.
I've recently rediscovered my love of BBQ as we now have the outside space needed. My most recent favourite pairing was Famille Perrin, Coudoulet de Beaucastel, Côtes du Rhône with slow-cooked Brisket, and BBQ cauliflower and cheese.
Do you have a favourite 'non-wine' drink? I'm just as passionate about beer and spirits as I am about wine, so you will regularly find me relaxing with a glass of beer or sitting back and sipping on Tequila.
My favourites include Los Abuelos (La Fortaleza) Blanco and Duchess de Bourgogne.
