The Buyer | 2016: That was the year that was for Robin Copestick

For Robin Copestick sport, and particularly the fortunes of Stoke City, are as integral to his life as the ups and downs of his drinks business, Copestick Murray.

What were your biggest highlights of 2016?

I was there…Robin Copestick was in Cape Town to see Ben Stokes’ incredible innings of 259In a sporting context being present to see Ben Stokes score 259 in Cape Town and Danny Willett win The Masters.On a professional note it has to be Copestick Murray continuing to progress and diversify, the I Heart brand continuing to grow at home and abroad and Mionetto winning the IWSC Prosecco Trophy.

And the biggest challenge you faced through the year?

Obviously Stoke being without Jack Butland has made life difficult and Brexit has made life equally difficult for Copestick Murray.

What will be your key goals for six months of 2017?

Stoke have to stay in The Premiership and hopefully have a good FA Cup run. For Copestick Murray it is more of the same hopefully. Continue to increase sales, work closely with more customers and have even more fun.

What did you do for Christmas and where are you spending new year?

China Tang’s classic bar: where better to spend New Year’s Eve

For Christmas I was in Cornwall with friends and family. For New Year I will start at Stamford Bridge where hopefully Stoke will cause an upset and then I am with friends at China Tang for dinner and dancing.

What will you be drinking?

I have some special Magnus of Schloss Johannisberg, some Vega Sicilia, some Alfred Gratien, Wint Gin and, of course, the amazing selection of our new Indi mixers. Not sure of the order yet, but I am sure that will work itself out.

Any favourite festive films?

How could you lose with Stallone in goal?

Hopefully there will be a good James Bond film and obviously Escape To Victory.

Any guilty pleasures for over the festive period?

Watching the Stoke highlights over and over again after they beat Chelsea on December 31. [Sadly there were not many highlights from Stoke’s 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on December 27 – Ed.]

If money was no option, what would be your best ever Christmas?

Hopefully next year when we are planning a trip to South America. But I don’t think you need to spend ludicrous amounts of money to have a good Christmas. Just good food, good wine and good company.

What would you be drinking and who with?

All my close family and friends and maybe someone could throw in a great vintage of La Tache?

As you like your football. Here’s some festive football questions for you. First up, what has been your best Boxing Day football memory?

Amazingly last year. Not just because I have a terrible memory but because we totally outplayed Manchester United and beat them 2-0. It was not just the result but the total domination. A great feeling. (BBC match summary here).

Best festive goal?

Marco Arnautovic on December 26, 2015 vs Manchester United.

Pick your dream festive football five-a-side match…

A mix of the Escape To Victory cast and two great comedians who used to light up Christmas Day.

Team strip – Brasil home