Harpers Wine and Spirit magazine has announced Southwold-based Adnams has achieved ninth place in the UK’s Top 50 Best Indies 2026 – a listing celebrating the best merchants in the business of selling quality wines, spirits and beers.
Representatives from the shortlisted top 10 were invited to a lunch in London last week, where the final placings were announced.
Nick Attfield, Adnams Director of Hospitality & Retail, and Head Wine Buyer, Lydia Harrowven, attended on behalf of the award-winning Southwold-based brand.
“We were thrilled to learn we had broken into Harpers’ top 10 and are extremely proud to be ranked as the best in East Anglia,” said Nick.
“The judges applauded our inclusive and exciting own-label wine range, along with our commitment to elevating our customer experience and the role we play in the local community.
“To be awarded ninth place in the country by a respected industry leader like Harpers is a true validation of the hard work across our wine and store teams.”
Lydia Harrowven added: “This year’s placing acknowledges our dedication to ensuring that each wine tells a story of passion, craft, and integrity.
“We are constantly thinking about how we can excite and inspire our customers with the wines they know and love, while also introducing them to new experiences.
“Our new collaboration with Private Cellar also enabled us to extend the range and reach of our fine wines.
“Adnams’ stores play a vital role in helping us champion the wonderful producers we work with, and they are also a fantastic place for customers to explore our beers and spirits too.”
The judges consider a number of factors in curating their list. This includes a fantastic drinks portfolio which engages at every price point. They also take into account the company ethos and how well it is met, any specialisms and points of difference, the services offered to customers and clients, promotions and events, marketing activities, training and advancement for staff, innovation,and sustainability.
Speaking of the review, Harpers said: “Whether traditional or modern, solely bricks-and-mortar retail or hybrid operations, small or multiple-sited, all businesses are considered equally by our judges on their individual merit, making a placement in the 50 Best something to be coveted and celebrated.”
Adnams has been an independent wine merchant for over 150 years. It opened its first wine and kitchenware store in Southwold in 1987 and now has 12 stores across the east. Each one offers a unique experience and personally curated range, meaning there is also independence within the collection of stores.
Adnams has made the Top 50 before, having previously placed 15th in 2024 and 11th last year.
Picture shows CEO Jenny Hanlon and members of the retail and Southwold team celebrating their success
