The Crucible Melting Pot :
Our members not only benefit from the use of our space and equipment, but the community we build together.
Crucible is a simmering group of world class bartenders, drinks industry heavyweights and flavour experts. Here are just a few of the talented individuals that grace our doors…
Stu Bale
DIRECTOR, CRUCIBLE
HEAD OF NPD, SILENT POOL DISTILLERS
I deal with things that taste delicious. I like techno.
Dave Broom
SPIRITS WRITER
Dave Broom was born in Glasgow and has spent the last 25 years wrangling words about spirits. His ramblings and theories spew out in a number of ways: on-line [scotchwhisky.com], magazines, books, talks, training sessions, TV, radio, judging cocktail competitions, or just sitting next to people in bars, pubs and on public transport around the world. He’s somehow won various awards. He’s as happy talking about left-field music as booze. He owns a beach hut.
Stuart Ekins
CO-OWNER OF CASK, HOBO BEER & CO AND COLONEL FOX GIN:
Founded CASK with Richard Herbert in 2011, along with Hobo Beer & Co., and Colonel Fox gin. 20 years in the booze trade. Enjoy marketing it, selling it, and drinking it.
Max Venning
OWNER THREE SHEETS BAR
Max Opened Three Sheets with his brother Noel in 2016. The bar is known for its simple serves utilising cooking techniques using seasonal ingredients. Born in Manchester he has worked in and ran bars and restaurants in Edinburgh, Manchester and London. Previously to opening Three Sheets, he worked as operations manager for The Drink Factory, overseeing Bar Termini and 69 Colebrooke Row, as well as working on consulting projects globally.
Pritesh Mody
FLAVOUR GURU, WORLD OF ZING:
Hailing from one of the UK’s oldest and most respected spice merchant families, Pritesh Mody is the founder of World of Zing. Regularly seen on Channel’s 4 Sunday Brunch, BBC News and more, he specialises in twisting classic cocktails using unique spices, rare ingredients and ageing processes. Check out World of Zing’s award-winning bottled cocktails, flavoured salts and more for drinks inspiration.
Rhys Ferguson
THE ICE MASTER AT THE EDINBURGH ICE CO.
Authority and innovator on all things frozen water
Geoff Robinson
HANDSOME
Geoff originally hails from Vancouver, Canada, where he cut his teeth as a professional bartender at some of city’s most accredited cocktail bars while simultaneously completing his Master’s of Urban Studies, with a particular focus on (social) sustainability and neighbourhood development. Following the completion of his graduate degree, Geoff spent some time travelling before settling in London, where he quickly established himself as stalwart figure in the UK bar scene. Over the past 7 years, Geoff has worked and consulted with various acclaimed cocktail bars and restaurants, helped to launch independent spirits agency, Maverick Drinks, and managed several well-respected bars, including Happiness Forgets and, most recently, Satan’s Whiskers. As of 2018, Geoff has turned his experience and energy to consultancy and brand development, while also taking up the mantle as the UK Brand Ambassador for Santa Teresa rum.
Ronnie Murray
CHEF DIRECTOR, PECKHAM MANOR
Ronnie Murray is a culinary star. His CV is impressive; cheffing for the Rothschild’s, the Ivy, J.Sheekey, Scott’s, and becoming Group Head Chef for the Hix group before stepping out of the commercial kitchen and setting up in his very own Manor.
If you think you recognise Ronnie, you probably do. He starred on the BBC’s Great British Menu in the Spring of 2016 and has since appeared on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch.
Being born with a shortened arm has never held Ronnie back, and he works alongside disability charity Scope to show others that their disability does not define their opportunities.
Hosting WeFiFo events allows Ronnie to share his food with strangers, in an intimate setting where he can meet, greet, and impart his skill and knowledge alongside his food. Dinner at Ronnie’s Peckham Manor is not to be missed.
Chris Collicott
DESIGNER
Chris has been a designer for over 10 years across various industries, ultimately being drawn to food & drinks. After working with London consultancy Strange Hill, he set up his own design studio, Madalena Studio, as well as heading up design and photography at Crucible.
Paul Stevens
PRINCIPAL PHOTOGRAPHER AT EPICIMAGES.ORG
My photography was shaped as assistant to a great portrait photographer, Kevin Davies. In the early 90’s we were regular contributors to The Face, Arena, Elle and The Independent Magazine. We worked with great stylists like Isabella Blow and got to photograph the likes of David Bowie and tour with U2. My own work encompasses a similar editorial approach to portraits as well as landscape, ‘product’ and ‘lifestyle’ photography. I shoot digital, film and video.
The other part that is good to know at Crucible is that I know a thing or two about the drinks industry, having been Bar Manager at Mandarin Oriental for 3 years and Head of Bar Ops at London EDITION. I have also worked as a consultant on numerous bar, restaurant and product development projects.
