Ben’s chocolate factory adventure

The Old Liquor Store is set to open in York next month. Ben Williams, one of the original founders of In Vino Veritas in Walthamstow, has returned to his hometown to start the new venture in partnership with his wife, Gabi.

Williams secured the premises, which used to form part of the Terry’s chocolate factory, a year ago but it’s taken time to sort out all the “legal and planning stuff”.

Finally refurbishment has begun on the 2,000 square foot space, which will include a restaurant as well as a dedicated wine and deli retail area.

“With In Vino Veritas I started out as a shop and then became a sort of bar with a food offering,” says Williams. “I’m kind of doing it the other way around this time, so it’ll be very much food-led and I’ve got a great chef coming on board. We’ll be a café and breakfast place in the morning, going through for lunch and dinner. We’ll do wine pairings and wine evenings. There’s going to be all sorts of events.”

The factory and offices have been converted into luxury apartments and new housing has been built on the old estate. Williams will be situated on the ground floor of what was once the confectionery firm’s liquor store: hence the name already attributed to the building, and Williams sees no need to change it.

“There’s no other wine retailer for a good 30-minute walk,” he says. “It’s all upmarket residential and it’s right next to the racecourse as well.

“We’re looking for a Champagne sponsor for our garden, which we’re expecting to be packed on race days especially.”

Williams plans to keep his on-trade and retail wine lists completely separate. “At Walthamstow it was pick it off the shelf and pay your corkage, but I’m not going to do that this time. I think that’s fine for your house wines because the margins are