Published: 12 January, 2026
It is perhaps appropriate, considering the historic role that the church played in viticulture, that one of Cornwall’s most iconic merchants occupies a former place of worship. Once a Methodist chapel, it was transformed in the mid-1970s into the premises for Laymont & Shaw, a specialist importer with a passion for all things Iberian. Decades later Hispanophile Jamie Tonkin joined the business before being drawn to the bright lights of London. After a stint in the capital’s wine trade, Tonkin returned to Cornwall and purchased the business in 2009, continuing its evolution as “an old chapel full of wine”. Joined by co-owner Louisa Fitzpatrick in 2020, Old Chapel Cellars is today a leading merchant, community hub and sustainability advocate rolled into one.
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Published: 09 January, 2026
Wine retail giant Majestic has seen its profits before tax almost cut in half year on year – falling from £14.3m for FY24 to £7.7m for FY25 as detailed in its Companies House filing for the 2025 financial year (ending 31 March 2025).
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Published: 09 January, 2026
Harpers once again presents our 50 Best Indies list, highlighting excellence in merchants across the UK drinks trade.
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Published: 09 January, 2026
Last week (5-9 January) we released our 50 Best Indies 2026 results day by day, celebrating the leading UK wine and spirits merchants as we revealed those placed from 50-11.
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Published: 08 January, 2026
This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.
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Published: 06 January, 2026
This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.
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Published: 05 January, 2026
This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2026 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.
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Published: 21 November, 2025
Port’s postprandial image is one that has long buoyed UK sales for the Douro’s array of fortified wine producers. However, with changing tastes come changing demands. Although there will remain a strong appetite for traditional expressions of the category, Port houses both established and new are looking to appeal to a younger demographic who may be only just commencing their Port journey. Harpers spoke to producers who ply their trade in the steep-hilled valley to determine how they are seeking to appeal to this disruptive demographic.
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The English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill includes a ban on upward-only rent review clauses in commercial leases.
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Wine retailer Majestic has announced the opening of a new retail site in Thame, Oxfordshire. The addition comes as the business prepares to open two more stores as well as two Vagabond wine bars over the coming months.
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Published: 30 April, 2025
Wine wholesaler Evertons Wine Merchants has announced the opening of a retail site, with a new wine shop set to open in Worcester on Friday 2 May.
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Published: 09 April, 2025
Reserve Wines’ willingness to keep things fresh and adapt in an ever-evolving wine market has meant accolades and praise have continued to come the Manchester-based merchant’s way. When one digs a little deeper, decoding why the Harpers 50 Best Indies 2025 winner has continued to succeed is fairly simple.
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Published: 31 March, 2025
Majestic has entered into a formal agreement to acquire Enotria&Coe in a move which looks to turbocharge the retailer’s ambition to become one of the largest suppliers to the UK on-trade.
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Published: 03 February, 2025
Amid much gloom in the market generally and set against the current duty rises, The Wine Society has reported a record trading period over the festive weeks.
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Published: 15 January, 2025
Andrew Catchpole catches up with the team at the energetic and expanding Oxford Wine Company.
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Published: 15 January, 2025
Drawn from our turn-of-year Looking Back, Forging Ahead series, we round up suppliers’ comments ahead of the end of duty easement on 1 February.
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Published: 13 January, 2025
Majestic Wines has announced record Christmas sales, outperforming their previous best in 2023 by 1.9%. The nationwide wine retailer welcomed 70,000 new customers in the six-week period up to 30 December 2024, while achieving their best festive sales in the company’s 44-year history.
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Published: 10 January, 2025
Once again we reveal our 50 Best Indies, highlighting the most dynamic merchants in the wine and spirits world.
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Published: 10 January, 2025
This week has seen the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.
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Published: 09 January, 2025
This week marks the release of our 50 Best Indies 2025 results, celebrating the leading wine and spirits merchants from across the UK.
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