Fascinated by all things floral, Alyson completed her floristry training in London in both traditional and contemporary floristry techniques, at The Covent Garden Academy of Flowers, completing her Level 2 City in Guilds Diploma while in parallel studying contemporary design under the Chelsea Flower Show award winning teacher Theresa Rodriguez. She has also grown many of her own blooms for over 20 years.

As for food, Alyson has been cooking since the age of 4 and won the North East Junior Cook of the year when she was 12. Her mum, Joan always had a 3 tier cake tin on the go, filled with home-made treats and Alyson follows closely in her footsteps, a delicious smell always emanating from her kitchen.

With more recipe books than she can count and files of recipes from 3 generations of family, Alyson likes nothing better than cooking for her friends and particularly loves baking and putting on afternoon teas. Her fascination of vintage crockery has led to a collection of over 50 sets which she hires out for tea parties.