Whisky, Guitars, and Good Vibes in Yorkshire

Ever feel like you want to go out and listen to some brilliant live music, but you’re just not in the mood for a massive, sticky-floored venue where you can’t hear yourself think? Yeah, me too. Sometimes you just want a relaxed atmosphere, a comfy seat, and maybe a nice drink.

The Spirit of Yorkshire distillery has some amazing, cosy music nights lined up, and there’s a really special one coming soon.

So, what’s happening at the distillery?

Get this on your calendar: on 30th August, the Spirit of Yorkshire is hosting its next Distillery Session, and it sounds like a proper treat. The star of the show is a local lad from Driffield, a brilliant singer and guitarist named Andy Stones. If you’re looking for a perfect summer evening with great tunes, this is it. It’s not just any old gig; it’s a proper music night designed for people who actually want to listen to the music.

The team at the distillery are clearly buzzing about it. Jenni Ashwood, who handles the marketing for Spirit of Yorkshire, had this to say:

"We're extremely excited to welcome the wonderful Andy Stones back to the Pot Still Coffee Shop stage. Writing and playing on and off for over years and always a Distillery Sessions favourite, he's picked up varied influences along the way from people such as Paul Simon, John Martyn and Clive Gregson, but his style is very much his own. He'll be playing a mix of covers and his own songs, and we're looking forward to singing along on what promises to be a great night."

It’s always a good sign when a venue is genuinely excited about the artist they’ve got playing. It means you’re in for a good time. And a mix of original songs and covers means there will be something for everyone.

Who is Andy Stones?

Right, so let’s talk about the main man, Andy Stones. He’s a singer, songwriter, and a talented guitarist. The press release mentions his influences are people like Paul Simon, John Martyn, and Clive Gregson. If you don't know them, think folky, acoustic, and lyrics that actually tell a story. It's the kind of music that's perfect for a relaxed setting, where you can really appreciate the skill. But the best part is, he has his own unique style. He’s not just a copycat.

He's a bit of a favourite at these Distillery Session events, and it's easy to see why. His music is the kind that pulls you in. If you're curious and want a sneak peek, you can actually find some of his stuff on his Bandcamp page. It's a great way to get a feel for his vibe before you go. We'd love to get an interview with him one day to chat more about his songwriting process!

A venue designed for music lovers

This is probably the best bit. The whole thing happens in the Pot Still Coffee Shop. And it’s tiny! In a good way. It only seats about 40 people. That means you’re not a mile away from the stage; you’re right there, part of the atmosphere. It’s properly intimate.

The co-founders of Spirit of Yorkshire, Tom Mellor and David Thompson, are apparently big fans of live music themselves. So when they designed the coffee shop, they made sure it would be perfect for gigs like this. They wanted a space where a band could play without it being deafeningly loud. They’ve totally nailed it. It’s a place for people who love music and good food, creating a really special experience for their events.

How to get your tickets (and food!)

Because the venue is so small, you definitely need to get your tickets in advance. You don't want to turn up and be disappointed! The booking process is super easy. A ticket on its own is £15, which is a bargain for a night of quality live music.

But here’s a pro tip: for £25, you can get a ticket that includes a summer platter made by the Pot Still Coffee Shop team. Imagine it: chilling out with some fantastic tunes and a plate of delicious grub. Yes, please. You'll need to book, so you can either visit their site or give them a ring on 01723 891758. Seriously, don't leave it to the last minute.

What else is on at Spirit of Yorkshire?

This music night with Andy Stones isn't a one-off. The distillery has a great calendar of events. If you miss this one, or just want to plan ahead, here’s what else is coming up later in the year. It shows their commitment to bringing top-tier musicians to this corner of Yorkshire.

• 29th July: Annual Distillery Open Day
• 25th October: Distillery Session with Edwina Hayes
• 29th November: Distillery Session with Alastair James
• 29th December: A special Twixtmas slot with the popular Sam Turner

So, there are plenty more chances to catch a great singer at a fantastic Distillery Session. Each artist brings something different, from the soulful tunes of Edwina Hayes to the performances of Alastair James and Sam Turner.

More than just a music night

The Spirit of Yorkshire is a pretty cool place to visit any day of the week, not just for a Distillery Session. It’s the home of Filey Bay, which is Yorkshire's very first single malt whisky. You can take a tour of the distillery seven days a week to see how it’s all made. It's a proper behind-the-scenes look.

And the Pot Still Coffee Shop is open every day, serving up homemade refreshments. You can pop in for a coffee and a bite to eat from 9:30 am to 4 pm Monday to Saturday, and 10 am to 3 pm on Sundays. It has a great view overlooking the stills where the whisky magic happens. So, even if you can’t make the gig, it’s still well worth a visit.