Reuben & Grey opened its doors in Knaresborough at the beginning of June and, according to co-owner Craig Buchan, it is just the beginning of a brand which is set to grow exponentially over the next few years.
Plans are already in motion for a bakery and wine bar, a coffee shop and a distillery.
Buchan says: “We plan to open a chain of delicatessens and wine shops. We want to grow this nationally, looking at market towns, and want to expand quite rapidly. As we finish one project, we will be looking at starting the next.”
Buchan has a background in banking and financial services and describes his business partner Luke Morland as “leading the charge on all things alcoholic”.
They have around 300 lines already and are working with suppliers including Enotria&Coe and Les Caves de Pyrene but are supporting local producers too.
“We like the fact that we are a Yorkshire company,” explains Buchan, “so we are featuring a lot of Yorkshire gins and we are supporting Yorkshire rum, including the recently launched AB Gold. We do whiskies as well, including Filey Bay and the beers are all Yorkshire.”
Buchan admits he is feeling most “giddy” about the imminent arrival of their delivery vehicle in the form of a Piaggio van. “We knew that delivery would be a number one thing, so we’ve chosen a three-wheeled van, based on the Vespa moped,” he says.