Delph wine shop owner 'broken' by closure decision

Ian Howard, the man behind That Wine Cellar in Delph, has announced he's closing the shop's King Street doors for good on March 29, 2026, after three and a half years of trading. The wine merchant, known locally as 'That Wine Fella', says he's been 'broken' by the decision but rising costs and impossible margins have left him no choice.

Howard received an 18-page email from just one of his importers listing price increases, making it impossible to commit to a new three-year lease. His landlord has been understanding, granting a six-month rolling lease while he wrestled with the decision, but the numbers simply don't add up anymore.

The business isn't disappearing entirely-Howard will continue online with subscriptions and move events to other local venues. Anyone holding vouchers can still use them by contacting him directly for an online code. The closure leaves Delph without its specialist wine shop, forcing locals to travel elsewhere or shop online for their bottles.

The announcement has sparked an outpouring of support from the community. Masterchef winner Simon Wood called Howard 'a good man' who 'can't be kept down', while customers praised his contribution to village life. Howard himself thanked customers for making his 'crazy idea' a reality and allowing him to create 'a little wine-led haven from the madness'.