Thoko Stott Interview

Firstly, congratulations on your new role! How are you finding it so far?

There’s still a lot to be learned before I can claim the title of ‘Lady of the Manor’! But I’m surrounded by some pretty amazing people who I learn from almost every day, so hopefully the transition will be as smooth as possible.

So you’ve worked with Steve and Ali for a number of years now, how did that all come about?

I was working in pubs and bars all across London for ages, and about 5 years ago I was in desperate need of a new job. A good friend recommended Mixology Events, the company TT Liquor has evolved out of. I started that same day serving out food for a cocktail class, which was also my first encounter with Steve who was also sweating his ass off. So that put me in very good stead, and I knew at that point this was the place I wanted to be. I then moved on to supporting events, dabbled in Discount Suit Company in Spitalfields as a cocktail waitress for a bit when it first opened, then moved back to Mixology where I’ve been settled for the past 4 years.

What different roles and responsibilities have you taken up in that time?

Every single role and responsibility under the sun it seems! I’ve tried my hand at cooking, bar-backing, weddings, waitressing, and obviously event organising. I started from the bottom so I’m pretty comfortable being thrown into unfamiliar situations – for now at least!

“The fourth floor, the roof terrace, is looking very, very exciting – it’ll be the sweet, sweet icing on top of the cake!”

How has it been working so closely with the 2 owners?

I’m lucky in that I can call both really good friends. They’re both incredibly driven and creative, and it really rubs off on everyone else. I think even despite their influence and success within the industry, they’re not stuck up or aloof; they like to muck in, which makes all the difference for those working under them.

What are you excited about looking towards the future now that your in charge of a 3 (soon to be 4) story building?

So the responsibility is quite daunting I have to say! But as I’ve mentioned, in Steve and Ali I have a really good support network. Every day is different, you have to face new challenges and I’m super excited about the future ones. I’m also looking forward to being totally in-the-know, knowing where every single light switch is, and where each and every pipe runs to and from – which is looking increasingly important in such an old building! But the fourth floor, the roof terrace, is looking very, very exciting – it’ll be the sweet, sweet icing on top of the cake!