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Get your free copy27 February 2009, 14:51 PM
- Following on from last year’s runner up success in the ‘Community Off-‘ category at the National Drinks Retailing Awards, The Jug & Bottle, in Burbith, has gone one better this year, being voted ‘Neighbourhood Off-licence of the Year’.
The shop was recognised for the varied range of activities and services that it provides for the local community of Bubwith. These include; employing local staff to work in the shop, sourcing many of its products from local suppliers and being a key part of the organisation of the Bubwith Beerfest. The Jug & Bottle also operates a Wine Club that delivers products direct to customers’ doors and helps members to source rare bottles for special occasions.
In true ‘David v Goliath’ fashion, the specialist delicatessen and off-licence also took on the might of Tesco and Musgraves, an Irish company trading as Londis and Budgens in this country with more than 2,200 shops, for ‘Cider Retailer of the Year’ but ultimately came second. Although the judges commented that, “The Jug & Bottle is one of the country’s best shops for draught, and bottled, cider and perry.”
These awards are widely anticipated as they remain the only event recognising excellence among operators big and small across the entire ‘take-home’ spectrum. “This is one of the most respected competitions for independent specialists and we are delighted to be recognised for the role we play in our local community. It is especially pleasing to come so close to beating one of the major retailers,” says owner, Louise Smith.
She adds, “We’re thrilled to receive these awards, not only for the retail side of the business but also for the renovation project that has helped return the building to its former glory and make it a focal point for the people of Bubwith and the surrounding area.”
