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Local Whitehaven · West Cumbria

End of an era: Richardson's on Lowther Street is shutting after 30 years Richardson's wine shop on Lowther Street in Whitehaven to close after 30 years

By Kris WM, editor 3 min read From whitehavennews.co.uk
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Richardson's wine shop on Lowther Street in Whitehaven to close after 30 years
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Richardson's, the wine and coffee shop on Lowther Street that's been going since 1995, is shutting on 31 December. They're selling off the stock now, so if you've ever fancied a nice bottle, this is the time.

If you've ever bought a bottle of wine or a bag of coffee in Whitehaven, there's a fair chance it came from Richardson's. Sad news, then.

Richardson's Fine Wines and Coffee Merchants on Lowther Street is closing on Thursday 31 December. Gerard Richardson and his wife Dianne started it in December 1995, and it's been at the same spot for the last 20 years.

According to the Whitehaven News, it's down to Gerard's health. He was diagnosed with cancer nearly five years ago and has been in hospital three times in the last couple of months. He's run the place with Dianne and Louise Savage, who's worked with them for years.

Gerard said: "Our priority now is to sell the existing stock, send what's left to auction in the new year and enjoy our first Christmas week at home together for 30 years."

It's been quite the shop. The late Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh popped in back in 2008, it was a regular at the Whitehaven Maritime Festivals, it came runner-up in a UK Best Small Shop competition, and it picked up a joint Lifetime Achievement Award from InCumbria. Gerard got an MBE in 2011 for services to Cumbria and became a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria in 2022.

Louise said: "It's definitely been a ride. There were times when you never knew who you were going to answer the phone to next; one minute you're talking about wine and the next it would be a chat with an Admiral, a diplomat and even rock stars, but we somehow just took it all in our stride."

What can you do? Give them a send-off. They're selling off the stock before they close, so call in on Lowther Street before the end of December or order on their website. There's free delivery close by if you spend over the minimum.

Richardson's Fine Wines and Coffee Merchants, a Whitehaven business since 1995, will close on 31 December. Owner Gerard Richardson says the priority now is selling the remaining stock.

This is for anyone who has shopped at Richardson's in Whitehaven over the years, and for people looking for local Christmas gifts.

Richardson's Fine Wines and Coffee Merchants, on Lowther Street, will close on Thursday 31 December after more than three decades of trading. The business was founded by Gerard Richardson and his wife Dianne in December 1995, and it has been at its current address for 20 years.

The Whitehaven News reports that the closure follows health problems for Mr Richardson, who was diagnosed with cancer nearly five years ago and has been in hospital three times in the past two months. He has run the shop with Dianne and long-time colleague Louise Savage.

Mr Richardson said: "Our priority now is to sell the existing stock, send what's left to auction in the new year and enjoy our first Christmas week at home together for 30 years."

The shop became one of the best-known small businesses in West Cumbria. It was visited by the late Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh in 2008, took part in the Whitehaven Maritime Festivals, and was runner-up in a UK Best Small Shop competition. It also won a joint Lifetime Achievement Award from InCumbria. Mr Richardson was made an MBE in 2011 for services to Cumbria and was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria in 2022.

Louise Savage said: "It's definitely been a ride. There were times when you never knew who you were going to answer the phone to next; one minute you're talking about wine and the next it would be a chat with an Admiral, a diplomat and even rock stars, but we somehow just took it all in our stride."

What you can do: the shop is selling off its remaining stock before it closes. You can call in on Lowther Street before 31 December, or order through the shop's own website, with free delivery in the immediate local area above a minimum order.