Up close and personal with Luke Pearson, brand ambassador for Seedlip, the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF

I’m brand ambassador for the world’s first distilled non-alcoholic spirit Seedlip, solving the dilemma of ‘what to drink when you’re not drinking’. Despite a brief hiatus in London, I have spent the last 10 years wrapped up in the Birmingham food and drink scene. Whilst being disappointed with non-alcoholic drinks being so childish and sickly sweet, I met Ben Branson the founder of Seedlip three years ago on the brink of this incredible journey and the rest they say is history.

HOW DO YOU GET INTO TOWN?

I live in Lichfield, so straight down the A38 could not be easier

HOW’S THE COMMUTE?

I used to ride a bright orange scooter into Brum from Lichfield and loved it but with time being a little more precious these days, I often come in on the train. This way I can work as I travel – and Grand Central is awesome.

IS BRUM A GOOD PLACE TO WORK IN?

I find it so refreshing to work with the best of the best in the food and drink scene in Birmingham and despite being one of the best UK cities, us Brummies still keep our feet firmly on the ground!

COFFEE BREAK?

Coffee is my downfall! I love them all but it has to be Waylands Yard Coffee. Having hosted a fab new female creative gathering called Flock & Form there, owner Sam and his dog could not have been more generous and helpful.

LUNCHTIME?

It’s like picking a favourite kid! Bloom in Kings Heath blows me away every time. Oh… but afternoon tea has to be the Edgbaston. Or… for an extra special short trip out of the centre, Hampton Manor complete with a walled garden is stellar!

POWERWALKING?

We are so lucky to have one of the finest botanical gardens just five minutes from the busy city centre. Created by J C Loudon in 1832 it houses 7,000 different plants and even the likes of a 250-year-old bonsai tree.

WHERE’S YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE CITY?

It has to be Edgbaston, having worked here for several years it’s been a real pleasure to see the area flourish with bars and restaurants.

AFTERWORK PINT?

Easy. Nip into 18/81 on Thorpe Street for some insanely delicious cocktails whether your drinking booze or not. For beer though… Tilt’s a guarantee for a tasty beer you haven’t had before.

HOW CAN THE CITY BE MADE BETTER?

We have really made a shift towards favouring independents in Brum the last few years after an almost wash out of big chains. That said, more needs to be done to support new and small, upcoming businesses.