OLD CHAPEL CELLARS

Wine, Beer and Spirits Merchants

Jamie Tonkin

01872 270545

Old Chapel Cellars was set up by myself – Jamie Tonkin – in something of a romantic move that saw me give up my job in a successful independent wine merchant’s in London to go into business on my own in the former premises of Laymont & Shaw, the famous Iberian wine specialist in Truro, Cornwall.  

Laymont & Shaw was a company that I was very close to as it is where I began my career packing boxes back in 2001 and developed speedily through the ranks until I finally left as the wine buyer in 2005. 

Laymont & Shaw was a great place to do what I would call an “old fashioned apprenticeship” where I was able to learn from some of the most respected names on the wine circuit – all from a cosy little wine merchant’s in Truro!  From packing boxes I moved on to logistics, stock control and managing the ex-cellar business (whilst still packing boxes!). 

From here I progressed on to finally become the wine buyer – the role I always had my sights firmly fixed on. 

Laymont & Shaw regularly won Wine Magazine’s “Specialist Merchant of the Year” for Spain and during my time there I was also proud to blend a wine which won a medal at the International Wine Challenge. 

After a successful time at Laymont & Shaw I eventually left the famous Truro wine merchant’s and broadened my horizons in London.  It was here that I found a job with Noble Green Wines – a start-up company with little wine experience. 

After 4 very enjoyable years working at Noble Green Wines where I helped establish us a one of London’s top independent merchants a rare opportunity presented itself where the present owners of Laymont & Shaw were withdrawing from the beautiful Old Chapel – the traditional HQ of Laymont & Shaw.  There was therefore an opportunity to “go home” and try things out for myself where it all began.  I knew that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I decided to accept the challenge head on.  I resigned from my comfortable and enjoyable salaried life and the rest is history. 

So here I am, back as a wine merchant in Truro, Cornwall.  Back in the Old Chapel with my own business trying to provide the people of Truro, Cornwall & the UK in general (through this online wine shop) with some fantastic wines that I have picked out especially in the hope that they will give you lots of pleasure. 

¡Salud! - Jamie

The Old Chapel, Millpool, St Clements Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1EX