Drinks All Round at The Dorchester

[Top left: Me with Graham Holter, Group Editor William Reed Publishing. Right: Me with Richard Leaver - I think I must have stood on his foot! Bottom left: The rather impressive chrome trophy that now adorns our shop.]
The Doorman at the Dorchester in Park Lane took one look at me as I stepped out of my taxi (driven by a pipe-smoking octogenarian - there's nothing quite like Balkan Sobranie to add that extra whiff to a rented DJ) and said "I should think you must be The Ballroom - round the corner, second on the right!" Not having a clue myself whether he was right, I automatically followed his instructions and went in search of what I imagined to be the Tradesmen's entrance. But, if it was, it was quite glitzy and beyond the door it turned out to be quite plush indeed - full of mirrors and people in elegant dressware, together with a rather exotic sprinkling of interestingly clothed young ladies plying various free drinks. Why?

Because this was the OLN (Off Licence News) Drinks Retailing Awards 2007 ceremony and I was there due to the fact that Cooden Cellars had been selected as a finalist in the Independent Wine Retailer of the Year category. About 250 guests were gathered for the ceremony and were treated to a three course meal and cabaret provided by Barry Cryer (who I had spent some time chatting to in the reception lounge before the ceremony began - a very engaging and witty man and a marvel at 71). After this, at about 10.00 in the evening the award winners were announced.

I was sitting on the category sponsor's table - Santa Rita winery in Chile - with the two other finalists Ruth Yates from Corks Out, Stockton Heath and Ted Sandbach from The Oxford Wine Company. It was a nice surprise when Richard Leaver, Santa Rita Commercial Director for UK and Ireland, got up on the stage and announced that we had won - especially amongst such august and equally deserving company. I don't recall much of me collecting the trophy or the rest of the evening after that - except that I staggered back to my hotel in the small hours! After a very short sleep I was up, breakfasted and back on the train to Eastbourne ready for tonight's Rhone Dinner in the Mirabelle. Such is the Highlife, eh?

Needless to say we are very pleased indeed to get this award, coming as it does from the drinks industry itself. Thanks to all who have helped us achieve what we have - it's a real partnership built around enjoying wine at its best.