Award-Winning & Independent

Our premises, 71 Highbury Park, has been a drinks shop since the building was constructed in the early 1900s. Over the years, we developed from a traditional off-licence into an award-winning wine merchant serving Highbury and beyond. James Nicholson took over in 2019, bringing four decades in the wine trade with him.

Chosen by the team

Being independent gives us extraordinary flexibility with our wine range. James and the team are constantly searching for new wines to offer you fantastic quality and great value for money. We stock well over 1000 wines from all over the world, so there is something for everyone. We like to focus on smaller producers that you don't find in supermarkets or larger retailers. These are usually small, family-run estates, often organic, making wines with real character.

Everyone working in our team is tremendously passionate about wine, and between us, we’ve tasted everything on the shelves. In addition, all staff members have completed WSET courses to give you good advice on anything from food matching to unusual grape varieties.

SHOP MIXED CASES

 More than a shop

We’re happiest when people are tasting wine, asking questions and trying something new, so there’s usually something on.

  • Free Friday Tastings
    Every Friday from 5pm to 7pm we open a few bottles in the shop for anyone who wants to try them. It’s free and informal, and you don’t need to book. It’s a good way to try something new before you buy.

  • Masterclasses and Meet the Makers
    We regularly bring winemakers and producers to Highbury, from English sparkling estates to Madeira houses, so you can taste their wines with the people who made them.

  • Wine Club
    Every case is chosen by the team to suit your tastes, and no wine is ever repeated. Choose monthly, every other month or quarterly delivery. Members get 15% off every case.

  • For WSET Students
    If you’re studying with the WSET, we’ll give you 15% off to help with your tasting practice. You can register in person or by email. 
Contact Us

Our Recent Awards

We’re proud that our team’s work has been recognised across the trade here are a few of the awards we’ve picked up recently.

  • International Wine Challenge (IWC) Retailer of the Year 2025

    Being named IWC Retailer of the Year is recognition for the whole team for the range we curate, the advice we give, and the welcome we’re known for.

  • The UK’s 50 Best Indies 2025

    A place among the UK’s 50 Best Indies means a great deal to us — recognition that a proper independent is about range, character and genuine service, not just shelves of bottles.

  • International Wine Challenge (IWC) Regional Retailer London & South East 2025

    Named the IWC’s Regional Retailer for London & the South East — a proud nod, close to home, to the wines we champion and the neighbourhood we serve.

Not Just Wine

We stock an ever-changing range of 400 different microbrews, specialist beers and ciders from around the world. We have managed to squeeze in over 500 different spirits including independent single malts, interesting liqueurs and all the tools necessary to make your favourite cocktail.

Sustainable in our approach

We are dedicated to reducing our carbon footprint and focus on sustainable producers who care about the environment.

Our energy supplier is 100% green and we operate an electric van for deliveries also charged from a renewable source.

Please drink responsibly. For alcohol advice and to find out the facts about alcohol, please visit drinkaware.co.uk.