Scarborough Musician Returns to Perform at Yorkshire Whisky Distillery: Your Guide to a Unique Night of Music and Whisky

Imagine finding a spot that does brilliant live music, serves up a proper tasty dinner, and happens to be a place where they make award-winning whisky from scratch. Sounds pretty good, right? Well, that's exactly what's happening over at the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery. They're kicking off their new year of music events with a special performance from Scarborough's own singer-songwriter, Mark Stanley. This is one of those perfect evenings out, whether you're a massive music fan, a whisky lover, or just someone looking for a great night. The main event is happening on the 28th of February, giving everyone something to look forward to as the winter nights start to fade. It’s set to be a fantastic kick-off to the distillery’s popular music sessions.

A homecoming gig with a twist

There’s always something special about a local lad playing a gig on home turf. And that’s exactly what’s in store when Mark Stanley returns to Hunmanby. He's a well-known name around Scarborough, and for good reason. He's not just playing in any old venue, either. The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery provides a unique backdrop for live music. It's an intimate setting, surrounded by the sights and smells of a working distillery, which is a bit different from your average pub gig. The team at the distillery is clearly excited to have him back to launch their 2026 calendar of events.

The Distillery Sessions are a series of live music events that showcase incredible talent in a relaxed atmosphere. This first event of the year promises to set a high bar. Spirit of Yorkshire’s Marketing Director, Jenni Ashwood, shared her excitement about the upcoming performance. “It’s our first Distillery Session of 2026, and we’re delighted that it’s Mark Stanley kicking things off. An absolutely incredible voice, it’s just him and his guitar, and he’ll raise the roof. Playing solo for our session, though he’s often also found in a band, he brings originality and style to every gig!” This praise highlights the raw talent that attendees can expect, focusing on the powerful simplicity of a skilled musician and his instrument. This solo performance from Stanley is a fantastic opportunity to see an artist in their element.

So, who is Mark Stanley?

For anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of hearing his music, Mark Stanley is a seriously talented artist. He’s been a professional musician since he was just 14 years old. Think about that for a second – while most teenagers are figuring out their GCSEs, he was already crafting a career in music. That kind of dedication really shows in his performance. His original music is a blend of soul and blues, the kind of stuff that gets your foot tapping and has a real story to tell. It’s genuine, heartfelt, and powerful.

His talent hasn't gone unnoticed. His original music has been featured on BBC Radio 6, and he even earned the title of ‘Record of the Week’ on BBC Radio York. That's a huge nod from some of the most respected music broadcasters in the country. His songs have reached ears all over the globe, being played on radio stations worldwide. Jericho Keys from BBC Introducing York, a platform known for discovering the next big thing, described him as an "incredible singer and songwriter with music that oozes soul and blues." When experts from BBC Introducing are singing your praises, you know you’re listening to something special. This is an artist whose music connects with people on a deeper level, making his live sessions a must-see event.

More than just music (and whisky)

A great gig is one thing, but a great gig with fantastic food is even better. The team at Spirit of Yorkshire knows this, which is why they offer a supper option with the tickets. The meal is prepared by the talented crew at the on-site Pot Still Coffee Shop. For £25, attendees can get their ticket plus a hearty meal. The menu includes a classic Chicken Chasseur or a delicious Mushroom and Chickpea Chasseur for vegetarians. It’s the perfect way to make a full evening of it – no need to rush from a restaurant, you can just settle in and enjoy.

Getting your hands on tickets is straightforward. They can be bought online or by giving the distillery a quick call. For those who just want to enjoy the music, tickets for the event alone are £15. But the distillery isn't just open for these special evening sessions. It’s a busy place all week long. They run distillery tours seven days a week, where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look at how their single malt whisky is made. The Pot Still Coffee Shop also serves up home-made refreshments every day, making it a great spot to drop by for a coffee and a bite to eat even if you’re not taking one of the tours.

• Standard Ticket: £15 (Music only)

• Supper Ticket: £25 (Music and meal included)

• Distillery Tours: Available 7 days a week

• Pot Still Coffee Shop: Open daily for refreshments

What makes this distillery so special?

The Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery isn’t just a venue; it’s the heart of a unique whisky-making operation. It’s the home of Filey Bay, a single estate single malt whisky. Now, 'single estate' is one of those terms that sounds a bit fancy, but it means something really simple and brilliant. It means that everything happens right there. They grow their own barley on the farm, then mash, ferment, distil, and mature it on-site to create their whisky. Think of it like a baker who grows their own wheat to make their own flour for their bread. It’s a massive commitment to quality and traceability.

This approach is incredibly rare. In fact, Spirit of Yorkshire is one of only a handful of distilleries in the entire world that grows 100% of the barley used in its whisky. The barley itself is special, too. It’s not just home-grown; it’s regeneratively farmed barley. This is a forward-thinking way of farming that focuses on improving the health of the soil, which is better for the environment and, ultimately, makes for a better-tasting whisky. So, when people visit for one of the music sessions, they're not just in a cool venue; they're in a place that is deeply connected to the land and is pioneering a sustainable way of making one of the world's favourite spirits. It makes the whole experience, from the music to the food to the optional dram of Filey Bay, feel that much more authentic and special.