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Birmingham’s oldest wine merchant, Connolly’s, has won the Hybrid Retailer of the Year award at the Drinks Retailing Awards. The annual ceremony, which was held at The Dorchester Hotel, recognises excellence in drinks retailing across a number of sectors, including independent specialists, supermarkets, online retailers, wholesalers and wine merchants.

The family-owned-and-run business, which has been located beneath the arches of Snow Hill since 1976, has been shipping wine into the city since 1906. The Connolly’s launched wine bar, Arch 13, which is located at the front of Connolly’s retail offer, in May 2018 has grown from strength to strength, with owner and manager Abigail Connolly – the only female, certified sommelier in Birmingham – at the helm.

Arch 13 offers ever-evolving wine lists, knowledgeable staff and an extensive Madeira menu, accompanied by a selection of meats and cheeses, such as traditional Westcombe Cheddar and Lincolnshire Poacher, cured lamb and Suffolk Chorizo.

Chris Connolly, said;

“To say we are thrilled to receive this award is an understatement. We have put a lot of hard work and passion into both Connolly’s and Arch 13, and to making the wine bar and shop a success, so to be given that recognition – by an institution so respected – is absolutely fantastic.”