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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As his family’s restaurant group celebrates its 50th year, Harpers catches up with Cornish wine supremo Charlie Stein, director of wine at Rick Stein Group.
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Published: 18 January, 2023
St Austell Brewery is expanding its reach into South Wales, taking the reach of its wholesale business beyond its West Country stronghold.
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Published: 28 November, 2022
Cornwalls’ St Austell Brewery has taken a minority share in Harbour Brewing Co, a multi-award-winning Cornish brewery.
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Published: 07 March, 2022
St Austell Brewery, the South West family-owned brewery and pub company – and independent owner of over 180 pubs, inns, and hotels – has appointed Holly Ninnes as its new head of wine.
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Published: 16 October, 2019
Fresh from topping the table at the annual Harpers 50 Best Indies awards we catch up with Mike Boyne from Padstow’s BinTwo to discover the secrets to his success, how he and the team celebrated and what he has up his sleeve next (spoiler alert: plenty).
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