ABOUT US

Old Chapel Cellars is an independent wine merchant based in Truro, Cornwall. We are proud to be one of the top indie wine merchants in UK.

Our roots lie in the former Laymont & Shaw, who were widely regarded as the UK’s premier importer of fine Spanish wines. We aim to deal directly with wineries wherever possible and import wines from all over the world – not just Spain. 

We have a very relaxed and friendly shop based in Truro, Cornwall where, pre-Covid, we held regular tastings and events. We have an online wine store where you can browse and buy wine. We offer free delivery anywhere in the UK for orders over £99 and a click and collect service with no minimum order value. Alongside retail we also service corporate clients and have some excellent on-trade accounts including some of the county's best hotels and restaurants.

Old Chapel Cellars business owner and founder Jamie Tonkin
Old Chapel Cellars business owner Louisa Fitzpatrick

JAmie and louisa - co owners

Friends through wine and living in Truro, Jamie and Louisa had known each other for a number of years before deciding to join forces at Old Chapel Cellars. Both know how to ship wine from around the world, both enjoy selling wine but there is a natural split of responsibilities. Jamie preferring the intricacies and detail of purchasing, inventory and finance. Louisa more at ease with sales and marketing. Both studied in Europe giving them linguistic skills in Spanish, German and pigeon French. Both from the same port vintage (1977) they have each spent over 20 years in the wine trade and now enjoy working together in partnership to build on the success of their very unique business.

Old Chapel Cellars Team Member Steve Brown

STEVE

I got into wine through turning up in the shop as a customer and getting to know Jamie. We'd taste wine and sometimes play the odd game of chess. They were short handed for a tasting one evening and I volunteered to help out and it went from there. I was coming to the end of my fire service career and wondering what to do next when Jamie suggested that I join the team at Old Chapel. They supported me through my Level 2 and Level 3 WSET qualifications and you never stop learning on the job. Before working here I used to like big reds but now I prefer whites. I really like the Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi from Italy. My favourite part of the job is meeting interesting people.

Old Chapel Cellars Team Member Emily Bone

EMILY

In 2021, I joined Old Chapel Cellars as a Graphic Designer, leading a complete rebranding effort and creating a new wine list brochure. I later transitioned to the role of Digital Marketing Manager, overseeing the design and launch of the company's new website. After taking a career break to do some travelling I was lucky to be welcomed back to the Chapel as Head of Digital where I now manage all online aspects of the business. With thanks the guys here, I have now completed my Level 2 WSET qualification and look forward to continuing this learning journey. Favouring lighter styles of white I enjoy many from our Italian range including our Gavi. I also really enjoy a selected few from our Rioja range like our Palacio del Camino Real.

Old Chapel Cellars Team Member Simon Pearson

Simon

I’ve known Jamie for many years, he actually supplied Shampers, our Wine Bar and Restaurant in London’s West End, when he was working with Laymont and Shaw, and the relationship continued when he formed Old Chapel Cellars. My journey in the food and wine industry has been an exciting one. Before running Shampers, I had a background in the wine trade, working in London, the Nahe Valley in Germany, Bordeaux, and Australia. We ran Shampers for 30 years so when our business closed, Jamie and Louisa offered me a position with them, and I gladly accepted. I thoroughly enjoy the "front of house" aspect of serving customers, a role I had at Shampers. It's wonderful to be involved in the world of food and drink again, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with Jamie and Louisa.

Megan

If you had told me a few years ago that I would be working in the wine industry, I never would have believed you. After opening my own clothes shop at the age of 17, sales and marketing very naturally became a part of my day to day from a young age. In 2019 I closed the shop with a view to expand my knowledge in the world of marketing. I did a few years in sales for a local merchandise company then another couple of years marketing for a local bakery and bar, which is where my love for food and drink marketing came from. I was approached by Louisa and Jamie back in September 2022 to help bring a fresh and current energy to their social media channels and of course I said yes- and this is where I am today! I have found a real love for the world of wine and after coming into the business with 0 wine knowledge, to now having my WSET level 2, I am well and truly over the moon. My go-to bottles- Champagne always! Or I am a massive advocate for the Uncommon English fizz in can.

Our store

The Old Chapel, St Clement St, Truro TR1 1EX

Monday - Saturday: 10am-5pm

Sunday: Closed

Contact us