Step Into The Wine Library: Ake & Humphris Unveils Permanent Wine Bar And Shop
Harrogate town centre gained a vibrant new addition this week, with the official opening of the new Ake & Humphris wine bar and shop on Oxford Street. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on 5th February was led by Fiona Movley MBE, Chair of Harrogate International Festivals and President of The Harrogate Club, with Deputy Mayor, Cllr Jenny Travena also in attendance.
Photos (Credit Gerard Binks): 1) Shirley Ake and Fiona Movley MBE cut the ribbon to officially open the new wine bar and shop 2) Tara Stagman, Tom Gordon MP and Jonathan Humphris 3) Bar and wine shelves with "library ladder"
The launch transforms the former Shuropody shop into a unique, permanent destination for wine enthusiasts, the third location for the business which also has locations on Harrogate’s Leeds Road and Collingham.
The exclusive launch event was a tremendous success, with Champagne flowing freely and canapés provided by local partners Nomad Catering. The evening drew a wide array of local leaders and supporters, including Tom Gordon MP and Martin Mann (Harrogate District Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive), who gathered to celebrate a new chapter for the town’s independent offering.
Paul Auty of Ake & Humphris commented: "Independent businesses are the soul of the high street, and after 15 years, we are excited to finally come into the town centre. Our business has always been built on people first, and we have hung our hopes on genuine human interaction. We hand-pick our way through thousands of bottles each year to ensure we are advocates for wine know-how, simply shared."
Designed by Mark Hinchcliffe, the interior offers a quirky and cosy aesthetic described by the firm as "Oscar Wilde’s secret wine library." The space is filled with eccentric details, from upcycled 1920s wardrobes used for display to a bespoke chandelier crafted from antique copper wine funnels. Staff use a library ladder to access top-shelf whiskies and premium vintages.
The opening represents a homecoming for founders Edward Ake and Jonathan Humphris, who first met as students at Harrogate Grammar School. Since establishing the business in 2010, the team has built a reputation as a locally owned and operated wine merchant. Having flirted with the bar concept through successful pop-ups, the permanent Oxford Street site firmly grounds the business in the town centre.
Reflecting on the opening, Jonathan Humphris said: "In an era where many high streets seem to be giving way to takeaways and betting shops, the opportunity to offer something a little different is very important. We wanted to create an experience - a cosy getaway where you can enjoy good wine and good conversation in an environment a little better than the ordinary."
On officially cutting the ribbon, Fiona Movley MBE said: "It gives me great pleasure to mark the official opening of this very special new wine bar. This has clearly been a true labour of love and a fabulous addition to Harrogate - a place to meet and enjoy good company and a fine glass."
Ake & Humphris is now open to the public at its Oxford Street location. Local residents and visitors are invited to explore the collection and enjoy a glass in the new bar. The Oxford Street location is open seven days a week from 11am - 10pm (Tuesdays 4pm - 10pm)
