Bottoms up for new Shrewsbury whiskey shop
A county man is hoping to turn his passion for whisky into a living by opening a shop in Shrewsbury.
It is a complete departure from anything Mike Hale, 49, has done before and while he admits to it being a daunting task, he says he is loving the prospect of the challenge ahead.
Mr Hale, from Admaston, near Telford, has taken the plunge after serving 15 years in the RAF, his last posting was RAF Cosford, and then 16 years as a programmes and project manager.
He has now opened Wrekin Whiskies on Wyle Cop and intends to offer whisky-tasting sessions.
Mr Hale was born in Plymouth and grew up in Inverness and although his and his wife’s initial dream was to open a shop in the South West, they finally decided Shropshire and, in particular, Shrewsbury was the best fit for their plans.
“Shrewsbury has a massive retail catchment area," he said. And he found his new shop thanks to Rebecca Welch, commercial surveyor at Halls.
“As far as offering jobs goes, I have already had people knocking on the door and asking, but at the moment it’s just me. There is a bottom line to be met over the first year and if that is met then I would like to take on staff.
“The whisky business is on the up right now. There was, maybe, a very slight waning a couple of years ago but the whisky industry is now talking of perceived shortages and there is more consumption than there was 10 years ago.
“Demographics are changing. Younger people are drinking whisky now, along with 27 per cent of women.
“I am looking at stocking about 200 whiskies, predominantly whiskies not generally found in this area, though there will be some that are well known. I will be selling some Japanese whisky, not a lot but some; Indian and French.
“However, 85 per cent will be good Scottish whiskies.
“I’m not putting all my eggs in one basket and will also be selling some ales and 40 to 50 good artisan gins.”
