Harpenden commuters open specialist wine and craft beer shop at station

Harpenden station became the home of a new local business venture this month with the opening of a specialist wine and craft beer shop, Platform Wines, on platform 4.

The shop, which can also be accessed through the ticket office, is the first of a pair opened by owners James Allsopp and Daniel Blake in time for Christmas – they opened another store at Berkhamsted station shortly afterwards.

Friends and fellow commuters James and Daniel were frustrated that they couldn’t get a bottle of wine on their way home from the station.

James says: “About six months ago it came up in conversation that an upmarket wine shop might be a good business idea. We were confident that we weren’t the only station users who would be interested, especially when we started planning in earnest. Our initial market research revealed that there was nowhere to buy wine on any routes towards the town’s residential areas.

“The more we looked into it the more convinced we became – and the easier it became to make the business case to the bank!

“Neither of us had ever worked in the industry but we are both passionate about wine and craft beer so we did have a good idea of the kind of products we wanted to offer. We have brought in people with the right business experience and expertise to manage the shops and provide advice to customers, so Platform Wines now gives us the opportunity we always wanted to learn more about the industry while continuing with our own full-time jobs.

Platform Wines offers wines ranging from under £10 a bottle to £95 (a 2011 St Julien). Alongside these are a large selection of competitively priced craft beers and ciders, and spirits including wide varieties of whisky and flavoured gin. The snack shelves include muffins, flapjacks and olives.

Trade has been brisk from the start, with a lot of positive feedback from satisfied customers. “We are already establishing a surprising number of regular customers who are returning to say how much they enjoyed their first purchase and ask for more recommendations,” says James.

Stock is currently supplied by specialist wholesalers in the UK but part of the partnership’s ambition is eventually to source personally-chosen products directly from the countries of origin.

James said: “Our love of wine has already taken us on tasting tours of Australia and we relish the opportunity to discover more high-quality drinks around the world and bring them back for Harpenden enthusiasts to enjoy.”

With Platform Wines now trading successfully at two stations, James and Daniel have a vision of expanding to create a chain of handy outlets for rail commuters where they identify sufficient demand and suitable premises.

Rovin Vaz, GTR’s Business Development Manager, said: “We are delighted to attract such a high-quality locally based retailer to offer more choice and convenience to our passengers and the Harpenden community. We look forward to working further with Platform Wines when opportunities come up on our network.”

Platform Wines will be offering free mulled wine for Harpenden commuters on their way home on Christmas Eve. In the meantime they have some expert recommendations: 

Under £10

Elegant Frog Viognier, £8. This is an elegant yet rich white full of aromas and citrus.

Over £10

Gladiator cycles Zinfandel. Fantastic value at £20, a powerful wine with lot of fruit, red plums and blackberries.

Something special

The fine wine range includes a Gevrey Chambertin Louis Latour at £80. A light and fruity wine from one of the most respected wine regions in the world.

Non wine - Something light and refreshing

A Wildflower Elderflower Cider by Kentish Pip has a clean and fresh taste. It will work well with pre dinner dips and breads or cold meat platters and is priced at £2.75.

For the drivers

Leffe and a range of Infinite Session (IPA, Pale Ale and Pils) non alcoholic beers all priced at £2 and a selection of Folkington’s including Ginger Beer and Rhurbarb and Apple at £1.50.

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