Andy Devaney
Hackstons has stormed onto centre stage at the Drinks Retailing Awards, walking off with the Newcomer of the Year title and leaving more established rivals swirling their glasses in disbelief. For a business that only opened its Knightsbridge flagship in August 2024, it’s one heck of a first lap around the decanter.
The Drinks Retailing Awards 2026 are among the industry’s most coveted gongs, reserved for retailers who combine innovation, customer experience and a bit of old-fashioned bottle. In a sector stuffed with shiny shopfronts and premium price tags, Hackstons has managed something rarer than a pre-war single malt: it’s made people rethink what luxury drinks retail – and tangible asset ownership – can look like.
A Knightsbridge “third place” for collectors and investors
Step through the doors of Hackstons’ Knightsbridge store and it’s clear this isn’t your average off-licence with ideas above its station. Designed as a kind of “third place” for collectors, connoisseurs and investors, the store mixes plush surroundings with a serious education in whisky, wine and tangible assets.
Beyond its line-up of rare whiskies, fine wines and exclusive spirits, Hackstons has built its reputation on immersive tastings, private events and expert-led guidance on how bottles can form part of a broader tangible asset portfolio. That blend of drinking pleasure and long-term value creation caught the judges’ eyes, who were looking for a newcomer with genuine cut-through rather than just another fancy postcode.
We recently experienced this first-hand at their Burns Night “Scotland in Six Drams” celebration in Knightsbridge – you can read our full review here.
Defying the startup odds
If the trophy cabinet is filling up quickly, so too is the stats sheet. In the UK, around 20% of new businesses fail within their first year and nearly 60% shut their doors within three. Hackstons is heading in the other direction – scaling rapidly as it moves into its fourth year of operation, crowning a successful flagship launch with one of the industry’s most prestigious awards.
This isn’t a company quietly hanging on by its fingernails; it’s a brand setting a new benchmark for how luxury retail can marry experience, education and investment under one roof.
“Only the beginning of our journey”
For Co-founder and Director Alphie Valentine, the Newcomer of the Year title is less a victory lap and more a green light to push harder.
“From day one, we set out to build something category-defining, an environment that captivates your senses and has space for you to be educated, inspired, and ultimately leave feeling elevated by the entire luxury drinks experience.
Winning Newcomer of the Year validates our vision and the relentless effort of our amazing team. We are very grateful for our customers both new and loyal. This is only the beginning of our journey, and we’re excited to continue shaping the future of luxury retail and tangible assets.”
It’s exactly the sort of mission statement that resonates with the Drinks Retailing Awards ethos: not just selling bottles, but raising the game for the whole sector.
Big night at The Dorchester
The award was presented at a gala ceremony on 3 February 2026 at The Dorchester on Park Lane – the sort of venue where a gold-foiled invitation feels right at home. The room was packed with leading figures from across the drinks, luxury and retail industries, all there to toast the year’s stand-out performers.
For Hackstons, hearing its name read out among such company was a watershed moment: proof that its blend of hospitality, expertise and asset-ownership education has cut through in a crowded market. You suspect the Newcomer of the Year trophy won’t be the last piece of silverware on display in Knightsbridge.
Raising a glass to what’s next
With the Drinks Retailing Awards recognition now under its belt, Hackstons is doubling down on what made it stand out in the first place: high-touch service, rare and exclusive liquids, and a clear focus on helping clients understand the value behind the label.
For those wanting to see what the fuss is about – or simply to browse its curated collection from the sofa – more information on Hackstons, its Knightsbridge flagship store and its latest releases can be found at www.hackstons.com.
