Meet the team

Beginning as a pot washer in her parent’s pub at the age of 11, Kirsty worked throughout the hospitality industry before and during university. Following the completion of her degree in Human Geography, she started working in the drinks industry for the likes of Budweiser, Allied Domecq and Castle Brands. An entrepreneur at heart, she set up Love Drinks at the age of 28 to provide opportunities for the smaller artisan brands that put an emphasis on quality, provenance and brand heritage. Sixteen years later and Love Drinks continues to push boundaries with a tireless team and growing portfolio of eclectic, high-class spirits. Kirsty was awarded a British Empire Medal by the Queen for high-impact services to the drinks industry and in May 2019 was named Drinks Business Woman of the Year.

Not just interested in supporting and developing her own team, Kirsty launched the pioneering Love Well initiative in 2019, which provided a wide range of health and wellness activities to staff working in the On-trade. This included free fitness sessions, a Wellness Wednesday seminar and an Invest in Rest workshop. In her spare time, Kirsty is a keen equestrian and also mentors an 18-year-old girl from the Girls’ network.

PHONE: 0207 501 9630

Starting out in the drinks industry in 1996 as a promotions executive for Pernod Ricard, Samantha has worked for various drink companies across sales and marketing over the past 20 years. This includes Polstar Vodka, William Grant & Sons, J Wray & Nephew and Gruppo Campari, where she finished as On-Trade and Trade Marketing Manager. Joining Love Drinks as Head of Sales & Marketing in 2015, Samantha was announced as Managing Director in 2019 then becoming a shareholder in 2021. With endless energy, experience and unrivalled contacts in the industry, Samantha has been key in the careful expansion of our portfolio and team over the last few years. Outside of work, Samantha loves to travel to countries with contrasting cultures and enjoys keeping healthy through cycling, circuits, yoga and carrying out voluntary work. Samantha also obtained a First Degree in Reiki using the Usui System of Natural Healing and is a qualified yoga teacher.  

Email: [email protected]

Rachel brings a wealth of experience to the team. With over 7 years account management, gained across a wide range of customers at Anheuser-Busch, to four years managing Pitcher & Piano bars across the UK, Rachel understands the challenges and opportunities of the dynamic marketplace.

Email: [email protected]

Incredibly well known in the trade with vast experience running and managing bars, carrying out drinks training, consulting plus driving sales and distribution for a wide range of brands in the ON-trade, Andres joins the Love Drinks family. Andres’ knowledge, experience and personality made him the standout candidate and an unbelievable fit for our business, so we’re excited and very lucky to have him as part of our team.” Born in Mexico brought up in Colombia, Andres first moved to the UK in 2008 where he studied for his diploma at West London College in Hotel Management. With an impressive CV, Andres went on to work at the likes of Dirty Martini, City Zebrano, Drake & Morgan’s Devonshire Terrace, Bloomsbury Leisure Group and Merchant’s Hearts (Suntory).

Email [email protected]

Elisha has over 6 years in account management experience working in a variety of event sectors alongside bars, restaurants and hotels. Joining Love Drinks is an incredible venture and she cannot wait to get out there and introduce people to the fine brands Love Drinks' hold. Elisha will be a useful asset to the bars and bartenders of the North, including the major cities, Manchester, Leeds, Liverpool and Birmingham.

Email [email protected]

Born in Warrington in 1986, before moving to Scotland in the mid-2000’s, Brendan has managed hospitality venues for operators such as Hilton and the cult Glasgow bar Gumbo. He operated on the brand side managing Hotsauce Drinks, worked as a drink buyer for Dunns Food and Drink and has also been successful in various business and category development roles. Outside of his work, Brendan is currently completing a degree in Business Management & Economics and enjoys hiking and outdoor activities. When not outdoors or studying, Brendan can currently be found trying to lead FC Lausanne to their first Champions League victory on Football Manager, much to the chagrin of his wife.

Email [email protected]

John has over twenty years of broad experience within the UK drinks industry having worked with the likes of Amathus Drinks, Accolade Wines, Enotria & Coe and Carlsberg. John’s passion for the industry and consultative sales approach will be beneficial in the role of Key Account Manager. Away from work, John’s idea of a quiet night in is enjoying a Tommy’s Margarita while playing the piano to hopefully appreciative neighbours.

Email [email protected]

Vivien is a highly attentive finance professional with over 7.5 years of finance experience, including 5 years in the fine wine and spirit industry where she worked as a Finance Manager. She holds an Advanced Diploma in Accounting and has always worked within SMEs, so has lots of experience and initiative to bring success to the company. Away from work Vivien love travelling and enjoying culinary experiences.

Fatou joined our busy accounts department in 2019, compacting her day with order processing and supporting finance. Originally from the Ivory Coast, Fatou speaks fluent English and French, has a degree in Accounting and Finance, is a busy mother of two and currently studying part time towards her ACCA. Fatou is very happy to be part of Love Drinks and working with an incredible team.

After completing his journalism degree in 2003, Sam worked as a travel and sports journalist before moving over to the dark side of public relations in 2006. Working for a specialist London food and drink PR & marketing agency as an Account Director, Sam joined Love Drinks in 2018 to head up the communications and ensure our brands are seen and heard in the B2B and B2C media. A lover of any sport, especially rugby and golf, Sam is also a keen gardener who takes immense pride in his summer crop of homegrown tomatoes and courgettes. His go-to drink is a classic gimlet using the Herno Old Tom.

Email [email protected]

With a selection of exciting new brands recently joining the Love Drinks’ line-up, it’s also a great privileged to announce Mike Widge as the newest member of our growing team. A well-known face in the UK cocktail scene with a reputation forged in some of the country’s finest drinking establishments and through success in a variety of awards and competitions, Mike has vast experience in the drinks game working both on the brand side and for the likes of Diageo and Box Marketing. Prior to joining Love Drinks, Mike had been working as General Manager at the incredible Her Majesty’s Secret Service bar in Bristol.