Hackstons wins ‘Newcomer of the Year’ at one of the drinks industry’s biggest awards ceremonies.

We’re pleased to share that Hackstons has been named Newcomer of the Year at the Drinks Retailing Awards 2026, held at The Dorchester in London.

For a business in its first year, this recognition means a great deal to our team. It reflects the standards we set from the outset – industry expertise, genuine passion, and premium white glove service, all bottled up to give customers a memorable experience that is unlike any other in the industry.

Boutique, not bottle shop

Since opening in 2024, the vision for Hackstons has always been to be more than a conventional bottle shop.

The space itself has been designed for enjoyment, where customers can linger and learn. The beautiful tasting library is lined with walnut panelling, lapis-blue marble and antique brass. Downstairs, the vaults house rare and collectible bottles, and a private consultation room allows more in-depth conversations to flow – whether about building a collection, selecting a meaningful gift, or understanding the long-term potential of a particular release.

As our Co-founder Alphie explains:

“We do not call our space a store, we call it a retail experience. Every bottle we offer is an expression of passion, incredible dedication, craftsmanship and ultimately a story. We want to be able to tell that story well and immerse our customers in more than what is being experienced by their palates.”

An expert team at your service

The award also recognises the expertise of the Hackstons team – WSET-trained members of staff who are on the shop floor every day, listening carefully, answering questions and sharing their knowledge with customers. Retail Manager, Sam Wilson, describes the award as:

“A real moment of pride for all of us in the team. It reflects the care we put into proper service, deep knowledge, and creating memorable experiences for every customer.”

Whether someone is exploring Japanese whisky for the first time, searching for the ideal gift for a whisky connoisseur, or looking for a specific vintage release, we provide clear, informed guidance so customers can make considered decisions and feel confident in their purchase.

Extending the experience online

In just 18 months, our Knightsbridge retail space has quickly earned a reputation for excellence, and that same ambition extends to our online offering.

As Ecommerce Manager, Olivia, says:

“Our ambition was always to build more than just a storefront. We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that the premium experience of our shop floor is felt just as strongly across our digital presence.”

Translating in-store trust to the online environment is a priority for our team, with our on-site experience reflecting the same level of expertise, depth of knowledge and premium white-glove service as our physical store.

From blueprint to recognition

Being recognised as Drinks Retailing’s Newcomer of the Year places Hackstons firmly on the drinks map in a very short space of time. Marketing Director Alana reflects on how quickly the Hackstons journey has unfolded:

“It doesn’t feel all that long ago that we were standing in the middle of a dusty building site in Knightsbridge, guided only by a vision and a set of blueprints. To see that vision brought to life… and now an award-winning retail space is incredibly rewarding.”

Internally, it confirms that our priorities – thoughtful curation, deep expertise and genuine service – really do matter. And, as Alana says, this is just the start for our team:

“Our ambitions extend far beyond Knightsbridge, and this is just the first chapter.”

Experience Hackstons for yourself

Being awarded Newcomer of the Year by the Drinks Retailing Awards is a huge honour, and reflects our passion and commitment for what we do. We’re grateful for the recognition, and for the clients who have supported us during our first year.

We look forward to welcoming you to our Knightsbridge store, or inviting you to explore our online collection, so you can experience everything Hackstons has to offer for yourself.