The Seven Sins of Alex Robson |
MD of The King Of Soho |
|
Originally from the North East of England, Alex Robson has taken a diverse career path, which has included shipping in Russia, supply chain management in Holland and working on space projects for David Scott, Commander of Apollo 15.
Her upbringing instilled commerce and business knowledge from an early age as she began working in the finance department at her mother’s printing and publishing business when she was just 11, being grounded in the financial side of business first.
Alex went on to graduate in Economic History at Bristol University and after a brief flirtation with the City decided that a more adventurous and less conventional route was for her.
Alex’s entrepreneurial eye led to her spotting the potential for a renewed appetite for gin and a gap in the market for a high-quality and beautifully designed spirit. |
|
|
The decision to start her own premium gin brand was sparked by an epiphany over a classic gin martini with co-founder of West End Drinks and business partner Howard Raymond. Out of this ‘The King of Soho’ was born.
The King of Soho is a tribute to the famous property and entertainment mogul Paul Raymond, the original ‘King of Soho’ and father of Howard Raymond.
“Gin had been the drink of both our fathers, so there was an emotional pull; it was not long after Paul’s death and we decided what better way to celebrate his life and the district of London which he reigned over for so many years than to create a spirit in his honour. Soho is about fun, gin is about fun – it seemed logical to us at the time.”
The gin launched in 2013 and is sold in as diverse retailers from Asda, to Ocado, Harrods, Fortnum and Mason and still in Jerry’s on Old Compton Street where it launched! It is sold globally including in UK & Ireland, the EU, Japan and even Russia…we have had emails about sightings New Zealand and even Australia.
The King of Soho Drinks was launched by myself and Howard Raymond, the son of Paul Raymond the original King of Soho, in October 2013. You could say that he inspiration behind one half of the collaboration started well over a hundred years ago witha man famous for fighting a Bear in High Spen - my great grandfather ‘Hexham Jack’; his love of gin and spirit was passed down through the generations until it found me. Like all good spirits of the night the eureka moment behind the King of Soho Gin came over a late-night chat fuelled by a couple of gin martinis in a dimly lit bar. Gin was the drink of both our fathers, so it was only natural that we should launch our premium drinks brand with a Super Premium Distilled London Dry Gin. |
|
|
| Wrath - What makes you angry about the hospitality industry?
Warm martinis or warm champagne is the one thing that is guaranteed –taking away the vision of a frosted glass, drinking it warm is not a nice experience. Food that clashes with my cocktail or my wine also makes me angry!
Greed - If all your food fantasies came true what would be on your Plate?
When I think of food fantasy it’s a bit like 9 ½ weeks I like to be fed and surprised especially when blindfolded.
Sloth - What do you do to unwind?
Have a White Negroni and a Solpedine (in either order) whilst watching Game of Thrones.
Pride - What are you most proud of?
My Pink Gin - it’s Variorum good. Whenever you extend a brand it requires existential creativity. When you have done something well you set the bar quite high and it can be daunting to get to the next level. I am proud that Variorum has done just that.
Lust - Is there anything that you are still lusting to achieve?
If I said a half marathon you would know I was lying. I am more a 100m sprinter. I would like to become to the the drinks industry as Iconic as Coco Chanel is to fashion.
Envy - who are you most envious of?
Christian Louboutin, not only does he have more shoes than me, he doesn’t have to pay them!
Gluttony - have you ever over indulged?
In red soles and high heels!
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| We put the spotlight on the industry's most recognisable faces in our new interview segment "Seven Sins". If you want to know what inspires the industry's movers and shakers or what your favourite food loving celebrity likes to indulge in then you'll find it in their Seven Sins. |
|
|
|
