St Albans cocktail expert set to bring 'Thinking Drinkers' show home

Tom Sandham grew up in St Albans, studying at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School and tasting his first drinks in the City's famous pubs. 

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Since then, he has become an award winning cocktails and spirits expert, and has written several books on the subject.

After a number of years abroad, Tom now lives with his family in Harpenden, and will be bringing his show to the Eric Morecambe Centre on Saturday, February 25. 

Tom Sandham will be teaming up with Ben McFarland for his upcoming show. (Image: Tom Sandham / Thinking Drinkers)

The show will see Tom team up with Ben McFarland as they provide five drinks to each member of the audience, run a pub quiz and tell a range of jokes.

Speaking to The Herts Advertiser, Tom said: "As a result (of growing up in the area) it means a lot to bring the show back here. 

The show will feature a pub quiz, a range of jokes and a number of drinks. (Image: Tom Sandham / Thinking Drinkers)

"We've been running the Thinking Drinkers company for 20 years and we sort of fell into performing. 

"We were doing these drinks tastings at food and drinks festivals, but we felt a bit like some of those tastings weren't that much fun for the audience. 

'Thinking Drinkers' as now been running for 20 years. (Image: Tom Sandham / Thinking Drinkers)

"So, we started telling jokes and having a bit of a laugh with the tasting concept, and then someone suggested that we should try it at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 

"That was 12 years ago, we did our first Edinburgh Fringe.

"Neither me or Ben really have any experience in the way of performing, so it was a bit of a baptism of fire going to the biggest cultural festival in the world and standing on stage for the first time."

The duo, standing on stage at one of their performances. (Image: Tom Sandham / Thinking Drinkers)

Speaking of performing the show in front of friends and family in Harpenden, Tom continued: "To be able to bring the show back to where I'm living is one of the most exciting things we can do, not least because I live around the corner from the theatre!

"So it's a very easy touring set-up for me, I can just walk home after the gig.

"Because we have got so many friends and family in the area that are coming, it will be quite fun to show all these people who ask what I do for a living - and think it sounds a bit wierd - they will actually be able to come along and see what it's all about.

Five drinks will be included in the price of the performance. (Image: Tom Sandham / Thinking Drinkers)

"My kids are very excited as well and are talking about it with their pals at school, but they will not be allowed to see it because it is an over-18s show.

"It means a lot and it's a great thing to be able to do!"

Tickets to 'The Thinking Drinkers Pub Quiz' can be purchased via the Eric Morecambe Centre's website (www.the-emc.co.uk).