Ian Stokes Ian Stokes

NcNean whisky

29 September 2026

Had a great catchup today with Adam Murphy at Mangrove Drinks. Aside from being an old friend, Adam is one of these guys who just knows what’s happening and interesting in the drinks scene.

First off, particularly enjoyed visiting Skoll & Hati for the first time. Rachael has really created something cool in the old “under the stairs” venue.

What really impressed though was NcNean. Female founded, B Corp whisky brand with serious depth.

Check out their story at https://ncnean.com/pages/why-do-we-exist or contact Adam Murphy on adam.murphy@mangroveuk.com

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Ian Stokes Ian Stokes

Why I’m getting back in the room

Lessons from a night at The Scottish Marketing Summit.

Had a really interesting evening at The Scottish Marketing Summit networking event at Brewhemia on Tuesday.

A really interesting room and a genuinely engaged audience. Some really thought provoking stuff from the speakers. Well done to Susan Carruthers and Adam J. Bell for pulling everything together.

Great to see some partners in crime and make some new pals. Who would have thought two people would know the same sheep? 🐑

Must put more effort into networking! If you're running an event in Edinburgh hit me up

Lauren Dall Jamie Hodgson Shannon Theresa Jasmine Jackson

https://scottishmarketingsummit.co.uk/

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Ian Stokes Ian Stokes

Looking forward to

31 August 2026

Looking forward to this and hearing from Barry Makin FIH MI on the amazing transformation he's overseeing at Cromlix, and of course catching up with peers old and new.

Who's going?

https://www.instituteofhospitality.org

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Ian Stokes Ian Stokes

Lovely evening with

15 May 2026

Lovely evening with my chums Ruth Souter, Fiona MacConnacher and Scott Inglis with The Scottish Tourism Alliance (STA) at the Scottish Hotel Awards (Prestige).

The real heroes of the day were Iain Fleming, John Kennedy, Murray Tait, Divyang Rathod and team who do superb hospitality and picked up an award for their troubles.

Unofficial awards went as follows:

Best Dancer - Angela Watt (as always)

Most sociable accountant - Darren Lyko-Edwards, FCA MIH

Knowing absolutely everything that's happening in hospitality and just being the nicest person in the room - Katie Chorley

Best dressed/most outrageously good looking/top man hugs - Neil Williams-Reid (give the rest of us a chance mate)

Most sensibly opposed to tequila (you are wiser than the rest of us) - Connie MacClare

Best 'in awards' marketing - Alan McDougall FIH (whatever Les Clef D'ors are paying you, you deserve double)

Thank you Warren Paul

Looking forward to next year

https://www.prestigehotelawards.co.uk/

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