This weekend we celebrated the long-anticipated opening of our new shop and wine bar in the centre of Harrogate. Thanks to the determined efforts of local architects SPX, our interior designer, Harrogate-based Mark Hinchliffe, our builders NLG and our signage experts, One Nine Signs and a bit of hard graft from the team, an empty building in the main shopping area has been gutted, almost completely rebuilt inside and furnished in the style of Oscar Wilde's secret wine library! It's no ordinary place, from upcycled 1920's wardrobes to an eccentric chandelier made from antique copper wine funnels and an old school theatre ladder that we'll be using to access the top shelf wines and whiskies, there's so much to see. But above all, the bar, fittings and furniture have all been carefully selected and arranged to ensure a welcoming ambience for drinkers and shoppers alike, as well as a pleasant working environment for our staff.
The opening was marked with two events. On Friday, we held a preview evening for invited friends of the business, at which Sales Manager Paul Auty was able to thank all who had worked together to create such an impressive retail and bar space. It was particularly satisfying to see so many other local, independent business owners present. We know how important it is to have a thriving independent economy in the area and look forward to adding our own contribution to the town centre hospitality scene. Our planned opening hours up to Christmas are 10am to 10pm, seven days a week starting from Wednesday 17th December, with special hours from Christmas Eve through to the New Year.
Saturday’s soft launch event was a wine and cheese tasting, jointly curated by Gemma Aykroyd of The Cheeseboard and our own Paul Auty. Given the quality of products Gemma can supply, such collaborations are an obvious fit for us, and we will be including many of her cheeses in the food on offer at Oxford Street from early 2026. The evening was made special by our guests. It was a pleasure to serve the valued customers who have supported us so well at Leeds Road over the years. We have great plans for that shop, too, in the not-too-distant future.
Whether at Collingham, on Leeds Road or in the new shop and bar in Harrogate town centre, Ake and Humphris remains what it has always been: a locally owned and operated, independent wine merchant, staffed by wine enthusiasts like yourself, who delight in finding and sharing great value wines with you.
