Meet the Team

Laurence has been involved in artisanal drinks production since 1994 and in 2009 founded Virtual Orchard Cider in Milton Keynes, the first commercial cider maker in central England. In 2014 Laurence founded Wharf Distillery, another first for the region, producing brandies, vodkas, whisky and, of course, gin. As well as their own range of spirits and liqueurs, Laurence is now evolving a growing contract distilling arm for Wharf Distillery which is able to produce small batches of bespoke gin, or other spirits, for independent pubs, restaurants, or as corporate gifts. Wharf Distillery is England’s smallest whisky producer and only the eighth English Distillery to release a whisky since 1903.

Jonny runs the event management business Fox Wylie and provides logistical expertise and event management experience to support the festival. MKFoodFest couldn’t happen without Jonny and his team getting all the infrastructure in place for the big event.

Alice helps run Wharf Distillery, The Drinks Shed and New Town Gin – three local drinks businesses – where she does an amazing job with all the social media. she also  gets involved in the production of various spirits and liqueurs, including her own Made by Alice brand of aperitifs.