Brighton Diaries
VOL.3
VERITY SESSIONS
BRIGHTON DIARIES
VOL.4
VERITY SESSIONS
BRIGHTON DIARIES
Verity Sessions
In our third instalment of our Brighton Diaries series, we speak to Verity Sessions, the founder of Palate, which is an independent craft wine, beer, cider and spirits shop. Located a stone’s throw from Brighton in Shoreham-by-Sea, Verity shares her love for considered beverages by hosting events where like-minded individuals can come together and enthuse over tasting notes in good company. We spoke to Verity about how she champions wines from smaller producers and how a smaller budget led her to fitting out her shop with pre-loved pieces.
Photographer: Betty Maguire.
Brighton Diaries
Verity Sessions
In our third instalment of our Brighton Diaries series, we speak to Verity Sessions, the founder of Palate, which is an independent craft wine, beer, cider and spirits shop. Located a stone’s throw from Brighton in Shoreham-by-Sea, Verity shares her love for considered beverages by hosting events where like-minded individuals can come together and enthuse over tasting notes in good company. We spoke to Verity about how she champions wines from smaller producers and how a smaller budget led her to fitting out her shop with pre-loved pieces.
Photographer: Betty Maguire.
Q&A
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Hackney Hooker born?
I was first taught how to make a granny square at a seniors coffee morning I volunteered at years ago, that’s the actual origin I suppose. But it was only in the last couple of years that I started making stuff for more than just immediate family and friends. TikTok coming along and making crochet popular again deffo played a part, and then it naturally evolved from there with people reaching out for bits I’d been sharing first on my personal insta and then on the Hackney Hooker one.
Where did the name come from?
It was a joke, I had a craft club at my flat every Monday night - everyone brought their own thing, painting, crochet, knitting, sewing, very East London - and one of the girls was laughing at the concept of stitch and bitch because she’d never heard it before. Then I threw out the idea of being called The Hackney Hooker, and it just stuck, there was no other name I could use after that, it still makes me laugh.
What do you take into consideration when
selecting your yarns?
Ultimately, it’s about what the product is being used for, how breathable it needs to be, how sturdy, how malleable etc, and that largely dictates my choices.
Like most things handmade, it’s tough when you try to be more mindful of the materials you use, as this often comes at a cost, and when people can buy a crochet dress on ASOS for £15 or less... it’s hard convincing people to spend that on raw materials alone.
What’s next in the pipeline?
Project wise? So many things! I’m getting married in a couple of months which has absolutely inspired me to put together some playful bridal pieces.
I’m working to get stocked in a local shop which is mad and fab in equal measure.
In terms of dreaming big, I’d love to collaborate with some of my favourite brands or host some fun event in one of the many wine bars around this way.
Tell us about the ALIGNE pieces you’re wearing and how you’ve styled them?
I like clothing items that are fuss free, so I chose pieces that I feel are chic, are easy, are versatile. Then I can inject some more playfulness with the accessories if I want.
There are some days I love getting ready, and others where I just need to thrown on a uniform without thinking. Incorporating pieces like these into my wardrobe means no matter how I wake up feeling, I’m able to feign a bit of effort.
Where do you go for outfit inspiration?
People on the street, social media also plays a part, consciously or unconsciously.
What's your approach to curating a wardrobe?
Slow and steady. I used to be way more impulsive, but I feel like it’s only now I’m in my late 20s that I actually get what I like in a way that lasts beyond a season.
I also love second hand/consignment shopping, so living East means I’m spoiled for choice.
How was Palate born?
I felt a little bit lost in my career, but I knew I wanted to have my own space and to be my own boss; I had all these ideas and I needed somewhere to put them. I took everything I’d learnt from working in restaurants, wine bars, wine retail and marketing, and came up with Palate. It started out as pop-up wine tasting events, but I always knew I wanted to have my own shop.
Describe your typical day.
Drop my daughter off at nursery then open up the shop. Coffee first, whilst making sure everything is ready to go, followed by catching up on admin – usually ordering, emails, social media and paying the bills! The afternoon will be spent putting stock away, meeting with suppliers to taste new products, updating the website, planning events, and of course, serving all my lovely customers.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
I’m quite impatient and impulsive, which means sometimes my decisions aren’t as considered as they should be, but I’m learning to be more strategic and to take a little more time on things.
What challenges have you faced setting up your own business?
I set up during Covid restrictions in 2020 with very limited funds and lockdowns to navigate – so that was quite a challenge! Everything was done on a tight budget – second-hand furniture, fridges, equipment, pretty much everything other than the stock was ‘pre-loved’. It’s not easy starting a business on a small budget, but it is possible!
How was Palate born?
I felt a little bit lost in my career, but I knew I wanted to have my own space and to be my own boss; I had all these ideas and I needed somewhere to put them. I took everything I’d learnt from working in restaurants, wine bars, wine retail and marketing, and came up with Palate. It started out as pop-up wine tasting events, but I always knew I wanted to have my own shop.
Describe your typical day.
Drop my daughter off at nursery then open up the shop. Coffee first, whilst making sure everything is ready to go, followed by catching up on admin – usually ordering, emails, social media and paying the bills! The afternoon will be spent putting stock away, meeting with suppliers to taste new products, updating the website, planning events, and of course, serving all my lovely customers.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt in your career?
I’m quite impatient and impulsive, which means sometimes my decisions aren’t as considered as they should be, but I’m learning to be more strategic and to take a little more time on things.
What challenges have you faced setting up your own business?
I set up during Covid restrictions in 2020 with very limited funds and lockdowns to navigate – so that was quite a challenge! Everything was done on a tight budget – second-hand furniture, fridges, equipment, pretty much everything other than the stock was ‘pre-loved’. It’s not easy starting a business on a small budget, but it is possible!
What do you love about Brighton?
The sense of freedom to be who you want to be. Before moving to Brighton I used to visit at the weekends. I fell in love with its vibrant music and creative scene, the iconic seaside and scenic South Downs. It felt like my chosen home.
What do you take into consideration when selecting wines?
The first things to consider are style, category and price point. Then I ask myself, what does it bring to the shop? Are we missing wines from that country, region or style? I always try to champion wines from smaller producers who have sustainability at the forefront – is it organic and biodynamic? Then it has to taste great, and if the bottle looks good then that’s a huge bonus.
Wardrobe staple?
When working in the shop it's mainly about being warm and comfortable, so jeans, vintage jumpers, oversized cord shirts and Blundstone boots are pretty much my uniform.
Favourite piece from ALIGNE?
The Normandie shirt – it’s super comfy, but smart and understated, and has a ‘grandad’ style neckline, which I love.
You’re known for your considered approach; how does this impact your decision when curating your wardrobe?
Since becoming a parent and spending most of my time in the shop, I’m not often paying too much attention to what I’m wearing. Which is why it's always fun to make more of an effort at the events we host. I’ve always been a fan of a crisp, buttoned-up shirt with jeans, or more recently, a really good two-piece suit with a simple T-shirt.
What’s next for you?
In terms of Palate, I’m just trying to make it as good as it can be. I still have lots of ideas and plans for the business and skills that I want to learn, but all in good time! It was great to get over to France earlier this year and meet some of our producers, so hopefully more of that! For me personally, I’m enjoying where I’m at right now – making the most of our time with our daughter before she starts school, playing more music with my band, getting out in the garden, keeping fit, all whilst doing a job I love.
What do you love about Brighton?
The sense of freedom to be who you want to be. Before moving to Brighton I used to visit at the weekends. I fell in love with its vibrant music and creative scene, the iconic seaside and scenic South Downs. It felt like my chosen home.
What do you take into consideration when selecting wines?
The first things to consider are style, category and price point. Then I ask myself, what does it bring to the shop? Are we missing wines from that country, region or style? I always try to champion wines from smaller producers who have sustainability at the forefront – is it organic and biodynamic? Then it has to taste great, and if the bottle looks good then that’s a huge bonus.
Wardrobe staple?
When working in the shop it's mainly about being warm and comfortable, so jeans, vintage jumpers, oversized cord shirts and Blundstone boots are pretty much my uniform.
Favourite piece from ALIGNE?
The Normandie shirt – it’s super comfy, but smart and understated, and has a ‘grandad’ style neckline, which I love.
You’re known for your considered approach; how does this impact your decision when curating your wardrobe?
Since becoming a parent and spending most of my time in the shop, I’m not often paying too much attention to what I’m wearing. Which is why it's always fun to make more of an effort at the events we host. I’ve always been a fan of a crisp, buttoned-up shirt with jeans, or more recently, a really good two-piece suit with a simple T-shirt.
What’s next for you?
In terms of Palate, I’m just trying to make it as good as it can be. I still have lots of ideas and plans for the business and skills that I want to learn, but all in good time! It was great to get over to France earlier this year and meet some of our producers, so hopefully more of that! For me personally, I’m enjoying where I’m at right now – making the most of our time with our daughter before she starts school, playing more music with my band, getting out in the garden, keeping fit, all whilst doing a job I love.