Borough Wines blooms on Columbia Road

The fast expanding independent wine merchant Borough Wines has opened a seventh site on London’s Columbia Road, famous for its flower market.

Borough Wines & Beers will boast an array of boutique wines, craft beers, small batch spirits, wine-related gifts and a bottle refill service. Housed in a former bakery, the east London shop will serve a small by-the-glass wine offering to enjoy on site with cheese and charcuterie platters.

“When we open a new shop, our aim is to create the best local bottle shop for that particular community. There are shared characteristics across all the shops, but key differences too,” said co-owner Muriel Chatel.

“The Columbia Road shop lends itself well to events – something our customers have increasingly been requesting, and something we plan to make the most of. We’re planning a lively schedule of tastings, classes and supper clubs over the next few months,” she added.

Starting life as a stall in Borough Market in 2002, Borough Wines now has sites in Hackney, Dalston, Stoke Newington, Kensal Rise and Clerkenwell, as well as a wine and book shop in Hastings – Borough Wines, Beers & Books.

Expanding beyond the realm of drinks, the Hastings shop host talks, readings and exhibitions, with writer and broadcaster Michael Smith in charge of the literary side of things. A further two Borough Wines stores are due to open in the capital soon.