“I am definitely one that equally loves a perfect coffee in the west end over a meeting, as well as a run or cycle around Richmond Park at sunrise, especially in the winter when you get the amazing mist in the park at dawn.”

Alistair Frost

Founder of Pentire Drinks

Our Urban Explorer

Could you please introduce yourself to our guests?

Hey Guys! I’m Frosty, the founder of Pentire Drinks.

Prior to launching Pentire Drinks, you did a stint representing premium spirits in London but you never consumed alcohol. What intrigued you to dive into this line of business?

I went from working at a surf school here at the local beach in Cornwall, to working in bars in London where I really began to stop drinking. I guess you are right on the coalface of hospitality and alcohol when you work in bars and I was not really into it. I was set on starting my own company and I knew how to run bars and tell stories about drinks brands so I set up a small kind of agency/consultancy but in the end, I knew that non-alcohol beverages were going to be the future, and for me it was already.

What inspired you to create Pentire Drinks?

For me, it was the desire to promote active lifestyle and healthy living. Knowing the feeling that you get on the other side of exercise or a challenge is so much better than alcohol, short and long term. It’s all made by hand and on the home turf.

Pentire is a non-alcoholic distilled botanical spirit, but what exactly is that?

It is a plant-based spirit. We make it by distilling plants native to our headlands here on North Cornwall. We make it by distillation, just using a plant base instead of ethanol. Plus, our process is much more fragile than making alcohol so it is a little more technical.

How do you think you fit into the term “Urban Explorer”?

Exciting. So, I have recently just moved from West London back down to Cornwall. However, I am back up in town a lot which I love. I am definitely one that equally loves a perfect coffee in the west end over a meeting, as well as a run or cycle around Richmond Park at sunrise, especially in the winter when you get the amazing mist in the park at dawn.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

The people I am lucky enough to spend each day with.

Drink For Tomorrow

Could you tell us more about Pentire – what’s so captivating about the Cornwall coastline that inspired you to encapsulate the taste in a bottle?

Mostly two things: 1) The lifestyle, active and healthy outdoor living and 2) The ingredients and growing conditions.

When I was bringing the idea to life, I had Pentire as a holding name, it’s the name of our local headland here. I met a botanist for a walk around there to talk about plant life and he let me know that we have one of the biggest ranges of plant-life in the UK, especially sea herbs which have amazing flavour and nutritional qualities.

What is the flavour profile and what notes can we expect?

Our drinks are coastal, herbaceous and fresh. Super natural in their flavour profile, balanced and delicious. Pentire Adrift has lemon citrus top notes, green minerally middle notes from plants like rock samphire and sea rosemary with a naturally salty finish from our sea herbs.

What does entrepreneurship mean to you and did you always want to start your own business?

For me, I think it has meant something that I have to try and keep trying at until I/we make it work.

What is your favourite Pentire drink recipe? Why?

That is easy – a Pentire Adrift and light tonic, with a sprig of rosemary. It’s a perfect evening wind down drink with heaps of coastal flavours and good times.

What does sustainability mean to you? And how have you incorporated elements of this into the brand?

Hugely important – it is a key pillar of everything we do as we are all about the long-term. It is things like carbon neutral deliveries, plastic-free and all that stuff that should be standard across consumer brands. But then on top of that, we love giving back to sea conservation charities like Blue Marine Foundation and others that re-wild and protect our seas. It is amazing how, especially recently, we are all finally shedding light on the fact that the fastest way to save climate change is through looking after our oceans, and actually the biggest problem is over-fishing and the knock-on effects it has on everything.

Do you have a UK artist, writer, photographer, notable person that inspires you to live your best life?

I love water photographers like Jack Johns, Morgan Maassen, filmmakers like the Malloy Brothers. They capture life by the sea at its best for sure.

Can you share any interesting people or stories that you have come across in your work in London or the UK, that really left an impression on you?

Every founder I meet excites me. We do private fundraising rounds so I am lucky enough to meet some of my hero entrepreneurs. I definitely have to act normal where as I am actually just buzzing to spend time with them.

Travel Inspiration

How often did you travel prior to the pandemic when traveling was permitted? Did you travel more for work or pleasure?

I was on the road all the time so that is one good thing that has happened from it, but itchy to get back out there now.

During this time, everyone is having wanderlust and the itch to make a getaway. Where does your inspiration for travel come from?

Surf trips with my friends. Nothing better in the world.

What destinations are on your bucket list?

Hawaii (typical I know)! Also, a long trip on the gold coast, Cali, and North Scotland too.

Given the current circumstances with the coronavirus pandemic amongst us, how do you explore with the physical hurdles of going out?

Since I have been in Cornwall, we have been very lucky to always be allowed to surf and get in the sea. On top of that, Zwift has been a lifesaver, virtual cycling with friends, thank the lord for technology!

In world where there is no epidemic, which area in London would you recommend first-time visitors to explore for a nice city walk?

Probably a loop from Green Park, through Hyde Park, across Oxford Street to Oxford Circus and down to Piccadilly through Soho. That way, you can soak up heritage and iconic landmarks, green spaces, retail, and incredible food and drink plus café culture. Winning!

What must-have items do you carry with you when you go exploring in London?

Snacks and an iPhone. And life is good!

In a hectic, busy city, where do you go to relax and find some peace?

A stroll around the parks always does the trick. Maybe a spa and swim in White City House too!

What are the 4 things you love most about London?

What I love about London are the people, the opportunity, being able to walk around so much of it, and I would probably say how safe it is too. Maybe it is something we take for granted.

Being a London local, can you tell us 3 restaurants you think embody the city and really offer something different to the big-name restaurants?

Le Bab, The Tommy Tucker Pub, Riding House Café

Favourite bar?

Soho House 76 Dean Street

Favourite shopping street?

Brewer Street

The best markets to explore?

Definitely, the street markets in Soho.

Favourite place for a Saturday morning stroll?

St James’s Park to get a coffee and just cruise.

Where to go to find something a little different?

I would say Market Halls in the evening. I love the selection of great food and easy casual dining. Super easy and light-hearted.

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