A wine merchant in Chiswick was chuffed to be named in the top three independent drinks retailers at a national industry awards ceremony.
Mark Wrigglesworth who owns The Good Wine Shop in Chiswick and Kew , which boasts a selection of around 900 wines from all over the world as well as more than 125 spirits and close to 50 craft beers, saw his business shortlisted at the Drinks Retailing Awards (DRA) from Off Licence News.
However the local store was beat to the post by Selfridges at the annual awards ceremony held at The Dorchester on Tuesday (4).
Mr Wrigglesworth said: "It was a fantastic evening and it was the first time we had entered any industry awards and we were really chuffed to be shortlisted. Being in the top three for a national competition - we were glowing. We are a relatively small local business and to be up against somebody like Selfridges we were pretty pleased.
"We’ve put in a lot of effort – at both Chiswick and Kew - to expanding the breadth and quality of our wine, beer and spirits range over the last year and it’s great to have that recognised. We were also chosen for our excellent customer service which is something I believe sets us apart. It was a really tough category. Well done to Selfridges who won.”
Since taking over the business 10 years ago at St Margaret's in Twickenham, he opened up a second store in June 2009 on the Royal Parade in Kew, and in March 2012 expanded the business into Chiswick in March 2012 after the lease expired at the St Margaret's shop.
Six staff make up the well-informed team on hand to give customers expert advice to match their palette.
Mr Wrigglesworth added: "Everybody likes a glass of wine, and you can buy in the supermarkets, but our customers tend to be quite foodie. We see people who have a passion for food and drink and are looking for something different and a variety."
Among the most popular sellers in the shop are Italian white wines and Spanish wines.
With the business going well, Mr Wrigglesworth expressed his ambition to expand the business but it would depend on the site and location.
