Beaconsfield, Windsor, Virginia Water and Binfield

Went round four of our shops today.

Beaconsfield, though small, our second biggest turnover thanks to a dynamic team. They just lost their Manager to The Arch @ Vinopolis but - sign of a good team - have done better since! Sorry Tom!

Windsor; oldest and smallest shop - it's where I started in '69 - are nervous that Majestic are opening across the road but determined to rally the customers to drum up more customers. So small you might miss it but a bit like a Tardis; 1000 wines in there and another 1000 plus gettable in 3 days. Lovely girls. And nice chaps too!!!

Virginia Water, just outside the entrance to Wentworth Club (which I remember from childhood as where I thought my father lived). Beautiful shop with a nice trattoria attached. And its own vineyard! You must go.

It was last day of the financial year and they were £600 short of £1million for the year as we arrived. So went for a pizza next door came back, they'd done it. Champagne all round for customers and staff. And me. See pic.

And on to Binfield which is Bracknell really - or Wokingham - John Nike country, where they have a lot of space outside and are looking at starting a farmers market. Watch this space.

It was here that we got the news my 'favourite winemaker' Jean-Marc had just got excellent Parker points for his own Altos Rioja.

He'll expect us to buy a lot more now.

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