October saw the opening of Must & Lees in Islington, a new wine shop and tasting room owned and run by Chris Cassell.

After a career in drinks marketing, which included a stint at the MDCV group (owners of UK vineyards Sedlescombe and Luddesdown) Cassell has settled down with his young family in London.

He says: “I wanted to do something on my own and although I’ve always worked in booze and mainly spirits, as they tend to spend a bit more on marketing, wine has always been my passion.

“This project was born a little from the idea of being more mindful of what we drink and getting more enjoyment out of it.

“I’ve done my WSET educator course and I’ll be teaching levels 1 and 2, so the business is half events-based and half bottle shop.”

Must & Lees is working with suppliers including Liberty, Boutinot, Fredericks and The Modest Merchant.

Cassell hopes to get his AWRS licence next year so he can direct import.