Success has come – once again – for Loki Wine, which has picked up two of the most acclaimed awards in the European drinks world at the Drinks Business Awards 2014.
Preparing for its Birthday celebrations, which take place this weekend (14 June) after a successful two years at Great Western Arcade, Loki Wine has been recognised in this year’s Drinks Business Awards. Owner Phil Innes walked away from the London ceremony with ‘Independent Retailer of the Year’ and ‘Young Achiever’ at the 11th annual awards ceremony, which is attended by drinks specialists from across Europe. The only wine merchant in the Midlands to reach the Independent Retail category, Loki beat off competition from London-based Handford Wines and House of Townend. Judges commented on the win by saying:
“This year one shop was particularly highly praised for creating a genuine sense of excitement in a challenging neighborhood. Indeed, it has burst onto the independent wine scene in Birmingham, and attracted national interest with its eclectic range and in-store sampling programme.”
Following the shock of the win, Phil Innes was back on stage at the end of the event to pick up the ‘Young Achiever’ award. Phil was praised for his entrepreneurial achievements and innovative approach to wine retail:
“Like many of his generation, our Young Achiever of the Year developed his appreciation of wine while working for Wine Rack and Oddbins. However, having graduated from university he recognised the need for a retail model that fitted the needs of the 21st century. The initial result was Sloshbox Wine – a business designed around maximizing the potential of online retail.
“Using skills developed through this venture, our winner went on to found Loki Wine in Birmingham back in 2012. Within a very short space of time, this wine merchant and bar has made a major impact both locally and in the national press, as well as cultivating a strong, influential social media presence,” judges added.
This awards success comes as Loki Wine gets set to mark two years at Great Western Arcade. Having opened back in 2012 it has gone from strength to strength, offering drinkers a place to try and enjoy wine. With wine tasting cabinets offering 24 varieties from around the world and an upstairs Tasting House, Loki Wine is the ideal place for people that want to discover wines in a relaxed environment.
“I’m still in shock that we’ve picked up these two awards – a db-Award is a real badge of achievement in the industry and I’m delighted that Loki Wine has been recognised by the industry. Having been named ‘UK Wine Merchant of the Year’ by Decanter last year, it’s a real honour for me to see how Loki has captured the imaginations of both the industry and our customers. I wanted to create something that rivals the better-known merchants in London to help put Birmingham on the map. I love being located in Great Western Arcade because we’re in a prime position to welcome city centre shoppers and workers from the Colmore BID area. Whether a lunch meeting, after work drink, date or a fun weekend activity, we’ve created a haven in the middle of a bustling city,” said Phil Innes, Director of Loki Wine and winner of ‘Young Achiever’ award.
This awards success follows a number of wins, including ‘Outstanding Customer Service – Independent Retailer’ at the Retail Birmingham Awards 2014 in April. Other achievements include Decanter UK Wine Merchant of the Year (Outside London) 2013, International Wine Challenge Regional Merchant of the Year Finalist 2013, Harpers Best New and Emerging Drinks Business of the Year 2013, Off-Licence News Newcomer of the Year Finalist, and DRA 2013 Rummer-up New Wine Merchant of the Year 2013.