Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery Hosting Scarborough Singer Alastair James

Trying to find a brilliant night out with live music can be a bit of a mission, right? You want something that feels special, not just another crowded pub. Imagine a place where you can listen to a fantastic singer in a cosy spot, maybe with a dram of proper Yorkshire whisky in hand. Well, that’s exactly what’s happening at the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery, as a hugely popular Scarborough singer is making a welcome return after his last performance was a complete sell-out.

He's back by popular demand

The man of the moment is Alastair James, a singer-songwriter from Scarborough who is set to play at Spirit of Yorkshire’s next Distillery Session on 22nd November. And when people say he's popular, they really mean it. His last gig there in February sold out in a flash, leaving lots of people disappointed they’d missed out. But fear not, because the team at the distillery has sorted it.

This upcoming performance is an additional session specifically put on for everyone who couldn't get tickets last time. David Thompson, one of the co-founders of Spirit of Yorkshire, is clearly chuffed to have him back:

“We’re extremely excited to welcome Alastair back to the Pot Still Coffee Shop stage. He sold out quickly when he played here in February, so we’re putting on an additional session for the people who missed out last time.”

So, what’s the big deal about his music? Alastair James crafts songs that have a classic feel, inspired by legendary artists like Bob Dylan, John Martyn, and Van Morrison. Think proper storytelling with a guitar. He’s been performing since he was just 14, so he really knows how to put on a show. As David Thompson points out, his gigs are always a hit because he keeps things fresh.

“A firm favourite amongst regular visitors here at the distillery, Alastair crafts music with a sound deeply influenced by the likes of John Martyn, Bob Dylan, and Van Morrison. His sessions are consistently popular because no two gigs are ever the same. He’s been performing since he was 14 and always puts on a great show. It promises to be a great night.”

It sounds like an unmissable performance from a talented local singer.

More than just a distillery

The gig isn't happening in some big, soulless hall. The venue is the Pot Still Coffee Shop, which is right inside the Spirit of Yorkshire distillery. This isn't your average coffee shop, though. The founders, David Thompson and Tom Mellor, are big fans of live music and they designed the space with that in mind. They wanted a place where a band could play without the sound being overpowering, creating a really special atmosphere.

And it’s certainly special. The Pot Still Coffee Shop only seats about 40 people, so it’s super intimate. It’s the kind of place where you feel really connected to the music and the artist. You’re not stuck at the back of a massive crowd; you’re right there. Plus, you’re in a whisky distillery, the home of Filey Bay, Yorkshire’s first single malt. The coffee shop actually overlooks the massive copper stills where the magic happens. So, you can enjoy some fantastic live music while seeing where a brilliant local whisky is made. What a combo!

What's on the menu?

A good night out often involves good food, and they’ve got that covered too. There are a couple of ticket options available, so you can choose what suits you. For £15, you get a ticket for the music. But if you’re feeling a bit peckish, you can go for the £25 ticket, which includes a hearty meal.

And it sounds delicious. The food on offer is a classic jacket potato topped with a rich bolognese sauce and plenty of melted cheese. It’s the perfect comfort food for a November evening in Yorkshire. For anyone who doesn't eat meat, a vegetarian option is also available, so nobody has to miss out. Getting your booking sorted for this popular session is key, as tickets are likely to fly out the door again for this performance.

How to get your tickets and what else is on

Because the last session sold out so fast, booking for this one is essential. You can’t just turn up on the night and hope for the best. To secure a spot for the Alastair James performance, you’ll need to either visit their booking page or give them a call on 01723 891758. Given how popular he is, it’s probably a good idea to get on that sooner rather than later.

And if you can’t make the 22nd of November, don’t worry. The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery has a whole programme of live music events. Their Distillery Sessions are becoming a real fixture for music lovers. Coming up, they have the brilliant Edwina Hayes on 25th October. And for that weird but wonderful bit of time between Christmas and New Year, they have Sam Turner playing the 'Twixtmas' slot on 29th December. It’s a great way to escape the leftover turkey and get out of the house.

A proper Yorkshire experience

The distillery itself is a brilliant place to visit any time, not just for the live music. As the home of Filey Bay, it’s a landmark for whisky fans in Yorkshire and beyond. They run tours of the distillery, showing you exactly how their single malt whisky is made, from field to bottle. These tours are available seven days a week, so it’s easy to fit one into your schedule.

The Pot Still Coffee Shop is also open throughout the week, serving homemade food and drinks. It’s a lovely spot to relax, with its views over the stills. It’s open from 9.30 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays. Whether you're a whisky lover, a music fan, or just looking for a unique day out in Yorkshire, the Spirit of Yorkshire has something to offer. But for now, all eyes are on the much-anticipated return of the Scarborough singer Alastair James. The booking for his additional session is now open. The whole event ends late, promising a full evening of entertainment.

Address: Pot Still Coffee Shop, Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, Unit 1, Hunmanby Industrial Estate, Hunmanby, North Yorkshire, YO14 0PH