Friarwood Wines & Spirits, the independent London wine merchant, has gone into administration.

The business, owned since 2015 by Ben Carfagnini (pictured), had stores in Wimbledon and Parsons Green. A closing down sale is now under way.

Friarwood was originally established in 1967 by Peter Bowen.

Antony Batty & Co has been appointed as administrator.

Friarwood’s most recent published accounts, for the year to March 31, 2025, showed that debts had risen from £1.8m to £2.2m in 12 months. The company had net assets of £319,352 at the time, compared to £675,491 the year before.