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Durham wine and drinks company set to launch first retail outlet

Lanchester Group, the North East’s ‘hidden’ wine-bottling and drinks company, has got a new public face.

The Pip Stop is the Durham-based group’s first retail outlet and is the brainchild of Ben Cleary, son of Tony and Veronica Cleary, who run the family-controlled group, where their two daughters are also on the team.

Housed in a former Morgan sports car dealership, near Lanchester, the Pip Stop will celebrate its formal opening on Saturday (April 25) with a an across-the-board ten per cent discount on all stock.

The 2,000 sq ft premises at Maiden Law was formerly the Macdonald Racing Morgan car workshop and Ben is maintaining a vintage car theme in the new venture’s name and décor.

Ben is using his experience working for Majestic Wine to source a variety of interesting world wines for the Pip Stop, which will also feature some of Lanchester Wine’s own bottled wines, as well as a range of carefully selected local and world beers and ciders.

Ben said: “We’ve been working very hard to bring new life to what was something of a local landmark for motor fans before the Morgan dealership relocated to Beamish.

“I’m very excited to make my contribution to the development of the family business by adding a strong public-facing retail brand to our portfolio.

“There’s been a tremendous amount of interest and we’re looking forward to a busy day on Saturday.”

Group Managing Director Tony Cleary added: “I’m delighted with the way Ben has enthusiastically driven forward the Pip Stop project, which brings an exciting new dimension to Lanchester – both the group and the location!”

On Thursday evening (April 23), The Pip Stop hosts local VIPs and residents to thank them for their patience during renovation work.

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