Peter Spanton is a British entrepreneur whose name has become synonymous with both fine dining and sophisticated soft drinks. Known initially as a dynamic figure in London’s restaurant and bar scene, he later turned his creative energy toward crafting a range of premium adult beverages under the brand Peter Spanton Drinks. Beyond business, he is widely recognized as the long-term partner of broadcaster and media personality Janet Street-Porter, a relationship that has added public curiosity to his otherwise private life.
Over the years, Peter Spanton has embodied a blend of innovation, reinvention, and resilience — qualities that mirror his transition from restaurateur to beverage innovator. His story illustrates how one man’s personal transformation and professional insight can reshape an entire drinking culture.
Early Life and Age
Peter Spanton was born in January 1955, making him around 70 years old in 2025. While few details of his early life are publicly known, it is clear that his formative years in Britain were influenced by an era of growing cultural dynamism — the post-60s explosion of creativity, music, and nightlife. These surroundings likely played a role in shaping his later ventures in hospitality and design-focused drinks branding.
Unlike many public figures, Spanton has chosen to keep his early background largely private. Yet, his later professional choices reveal a man with a deep understanding of people, lifestyle trends, and the social psychology of dining — traits that would serve him well in his later career.
From the Kitchen to the Bar: A Restaurateur’s Journey
Before his name appeared on bottles of premium mixers, Peter Spanton was already well known among London’s food and nightlife elite. He was the founder and operator of the celebrated Vic Naylor restaurant and bar in Clerkenwell, which became a favourite destination for creatives, journalists, and artists throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
Vic Naylor’s was not just another restaurant — it was a gathering place that captured the spirit of urban sophistication. Known for its lively crowd and bohemian edge, it reflected the personality of its owner: innovative, slightly rebellious, and always attuned to what people wanted before they even asked for it.
During these years, Spanton lived what he would later describe as a high-energy, indulgent lifestyle — characteristic of the era’s nightlife. In interviews, he spoke candidly about being a “serious drinker” during his restaurant years. That personal admission would later inform his business pivot: from serving alcohol to crafting refined alternatives to it.
The Birth of Peter Spanton Drinks
In the early 2010s, Peter Spanton reinvented himself. Observing that non-drinkers and moderate drinkers were often limited to sugary, juvenile soft drinks, he spotted an opportunity. What if there were adult beverages — complex, sophisticated, stylish — that could be enjoyed socially without alcohol?
This question led to the creation of Peter Spanton Drinks, a range of premium mixers and adult soft drinks designed for grown-up palates. Each blend carried a number and a distinct personality — from No. 3 Dry Ginger to No. 6 London Soda and No. 7 Açaí. These drinks were meant not just to mix with spirits but also to stand on their own — rich in flavour, low in sugar, and elegantly presented.
Spanton described his mission as creating beverages “you could sip and spend time with.” His approach combined the elegance of fine wine with the freshness of botanicals and spices. The result was a brand that appealed to both the health-conscious and the taste-driven — a bridge between the world of cocktails and mindful consumption.
The brand quickly gained attention in trade circles and upscale venues. It was praised for sophistication, original flavour profiles, and sleek packaging that fit seamlessly into high-end bars and restaurants. British Airways, boutique hotels, and cocktail bars stocked his drinks, validating Spanton’s belief that non-alcoholic doesn’t have to mean non-interesting.
Business Insight and Brand Philosophy
Peter Spanton’s move from restaurateur to beverage creator was not a coincidence but a strategic evolution. Having spent decades behind the bar and in the dining room, he understood precisely how adults experience social drinking — from the ritual of ordering to the look and feel of the glass in hand.
He also recognised a growing cultural shift: the rise of mindful drinking. More people were reducing alcohol intake for health or lifestyle reasons, yet the beverage industry offered few sophisticated options for them. By focusing on flavour depth and presentation, Spanton’s brand positioned itself as a leader in this emerging “adult soft-drink” market long before it became mainstream.
Under his leadership, Peter Spanton Drinks Ltd became known for originality, blending natural ingredients and bold design. The drinks carried a sense of storytelling — each number represented a mood, a place, or an inspiration. For Spanton, beverages were not just products but experiences.
Although the company’s activity has lessened in recent years and official records show it as dissolved, its legacy remains. Many contemporary mixer brands have adopted similar design philosophies, showing how far ahead of his time Spanton truly was.
Partnership with Janet Street-Porter
Peter Spanton’s personal life has often drawn attention due to his relationship with journalist and television presenter Janet Street-Porter. The couple have been together since 1999, and their partnership is described as both long-standing and supportive. Street-Porter, known for her wit and outspoken personality, has occasionally mentioned Spanton in interviews, referring to him affectionately as her “partner” rather than her husband.
Their relationship reflects mutual independence — both have strong identities and busy creative lives, yet they share a partnership built on respect and longevity. Unlike many celebrity couples, they maintain a low-key lifestyle, preferring privacy over publicity.
Together, they represent a rare balance: A media icon and a businessman, each with their own creative influence, navigating public life on their own terms.
What Does Peter Spanton Look Like?
Peter Spanton has the distinguished look of an English gentleman seasoned by decades in hospitality — usually smartly dressed, with a well-trimmed beard or moustache and an understated confidence. He often appears beside Janet Street-Porter at social events or charity functions. His demeanor is calm, charming, and reflective — the sort of presence that communicates both experience and ease.
Observers note that his appearance complements his brand’s aesthetic: refined but not flashy, stylish without pretense. Just as his drinks blend sophistication with simplicity, his personal style carries that same balance.
Net Worth and Business Value
While no verified figure for Peter Spanton’s net worth is publicly available, his ventures suggest a career marked by entrepreneurial success. As the founder of a London restaurant and later a beverage company that achieved national recognition, Spanton likely built a comfortable financial base. However, unlike many in his position, he has chosen not to publicize his wealth or lifestyle.
This discretion fits his overall personality: creative yet private, successful yet grounded. Estimates on the internet vary widely, but without official filings or disclosures, such numbers remain speculative. What is certain is that his impact on the British drinks industry and his reputation among peers reflect considerable professional achievement.
A Legacy of Reinvention
Peter Spanton’s story is not just about restaurants or beverages — it is about personal evolution. His journey from running late-night venues to crafting refined non-alcoholic drinks mirrors a broader cultural shift. It reflects the idea that success is not static; it evolves with awareness, discipline, and creativity.
In transforming his lifestyle, he also transformed his business focus — turning what could have been a personal struggle into a market opportunity. His brand spoke to those who wanted to enjoy life’s pleasures without compromise, showing that abstaining from alcohol does not mean abstaining from enjoyment.
Today, even if his company’s presence is quieter, the influence of his philosophy continues. Many modern beverage companies now champion similar ideas — complexity, style, and wellness — ideas that Peter Spanton helped pioneer years earlier.
Why His Story Matters
Peter Spanton embodies a blend of British entrepreneurial spirit and artistic sensibility. He reminds us that innovation often arises from personal experience, that authenticity sells better than marketing gimmicks, and that reinvention is possible at any age.
His name may not be on every supermarket shelf, but within the hospitality world, he is respected as a visionary who saw beyond trends. By connecting the emotional and sensory aspects of drinking with the practical realities of modern living, Spanton carved out a niche that continues to inspire.
Conclusion
Peter Spanton’s life reads like a masterclass in adaptability. From London’s bustling restaurant scene to the nuanced world of beverage design, his career reflects curiosity, craftsmanship, and courage. He turned personal change into creative innovation, bridging the gap between indulgence and mindfulness.
Though he remains a relatively private individual, his contributions to British food and drink culture are undeniable. As of today, he stands as a figure who transformed both himself and the market he served — proof that true entrepreneurs never stop evolving.
For more stories on inspiring entrepreneurs, business innovations, and lifestyle leaders, visit Bizz Blick UK, where we bring you the narratives behind the names shaping modern Britain.
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