We’ll drink to that – Edgbaston Village Wine Merchant wins two top national awards

An Edgbaston Village independent wine merchant is celebrating after taking home two national awards.

Loki Wine, on Greenfield Crescent, was chosen as ‘Local Multi-Store of the Year’ at the prestigious Decanter Retailer Awards for the exceptional service and high-quality products offered at its Edgbaston Village and city centre stores.

Rewarding innovation, drive and creativity, the annual awards ceremony champions the very best wine retailers across the country, and provides consumers with an indispensable guide to enjoying the best wine retail experience.

The renowned national awards saw Loki beat the competition in all three stages of the judging process, which was led by Decanter chairman, Peter Richards MW, and also included the in-depth consideration of five independent wine experts and the experience of a mystery shopper.

Loki Wine was also recently ranked as the number one merchant in the Midlands in the Harper’s Wine Merchant Top 50, and number four in the United Kingdom.

Phil Innes, founder and managing director of Loki Wines, said: “We’re honoured to have won the ‘Local Multi-Store of the Year Category’ at this year’s Decanter Retailer Awards, and to be ranked the number one merchant in the Midlands in the Harper’s Wine Merchant Top 50. The entire Loki team works incredibly hard to source and provide exceptional products while also offering a high level of customer service, and I couldn’t be prouder of what we have achieved.”

Throughout lockdown, the popular wine merchant collaborated with other local businesses to offer online tasting events and advice to customers, as well as offering a delivery service to those living in the region.

With both of its stores now back open for business, Phil added: “Lockdown presented an unprecedented challenge for everyone, not least those of us in the retail and hospitality industry. Although tough, it was wonderful to see how many local businesses adapted their offering and found new ways to deliver their services.

“Edgbaston Village is full of exciting independents, from restaurants to shops, and hotels to hairdressers. We’re an incredibly supportive community here, and it really is wonderful to see everyone back open again.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has continued to support us over the past few months, whether they’ve booked an online tasting or simply popped by after many months to say hello. It really does make the world of difference to an independent business.”

Nicki Gibberson, Head of Marketing at Calthorpe Estates, added: “We know just how hard Phil and the team work to ensure Loki offers unrivalled knowledge, products and customer service, and so we are thrilled that this has been recognised at a national level. Throughout lockdown, Phil has demonstrated a strong entrepreneurial spirit, finding new ways of delivering taster events and offering his fantastic selection of wines.

“We are delighted that Phil has chosen Edgbaston Village for one of his Loki Wine stores, it is home to some of Birmingham’s best independent businesses, including Loki Wine, Laghi’s Deli, Simpsons and LA-POP to name a few. The past few months have been incredibly difficult for everyone, especially independent businesses, and we’re keen to encourage people to shop local, and continue to support the wonderful array of niche businesses throughout Edgbaston and the wider city.

A popular destination for locals, Loki Wine is part of a thriving community of other local and award- winning businesses, including The High Field gastro pub, The Edgbaston hotel and cocktail lounge, The Blue Piano restaurant and jazz bar, Eye Opticians and The Lion Zen children’s hairdresser, along with OKA and Neptune home stores, all located in Edgbaston Village on the Calthorpe Estate. With the green open spaces, plenty of parking and good transport links, and many dog friendly establishments, the area is fast becoming a thriving hub of niche shops, places to eat, drink, relax and be pampered, making it the perfect place to visit daytime, on an evening, or during the weekend.