Back in 1934 a one Tommy Layton, restaurateur extraordinaire, began the revolutionary practice of delivering carefully selected parcels of fine wine, from Bordeaux and Burgundy, to his customers throughout London. So popular was this enterprise and so high was the demand that Tommy was encouraged to focus his extensive wine expertise on developing a second career out of his interest and passion for wine – and Laytons Wine Merchants was born.
As the post-war wine market recovered the business was taken over by the dynamic Graham Chidgey who echoed Tommy’s fervent enthusiasm for wine from the more traditional areas of production. It was Chidgey who first introduced London to Laytons’, now celebrated, Champagne as a direct result of his strong connections in this eponymous region. The company went from strength to strength capitalising on private opportunities that allowed its salesmen to enjoy the luxurious wine merchant lifestyle!
Many turbulent years passed before, under the arches at St. Pancras Station, The Jeroboams Group (London-based retailer and wholesaler of cheeses and fine foods) found, and took over Laytons. By this point a successful trade focussed sales team had been developed, taking Laytons back to its roots in the on-trade and allowing the business to grow within the London market. This acquisition gave Laytons a much needed injection of new world expertise that allowed for further development into the business we see today.
Laytons employs a diverse band of salesmen these days (including an ex-elephant keeper, microbiologist, long serving member of the TA and now, more appropriately, a fully qualified MW!) whose infatuation with wine has drawn them into the Laytons world. The down to earth team is brimming with knowledge of the industry, a passion for introducing more people to wine and broadening the horizons of those already hooked.
The philosophy is to keep, the oft over complicated world of wine, simple and palatable in order to offer customers a package of wines and support to suits their needs – be it for an overhaul of house wines, the sourcing of something more specific to fill a premium niche or training of staff to propagate the passion!
Read more about our sales team on the Contact Us page.
As Laytons is relatively small on the staff front (compared to some of the big boys out there!) much of our energies are spent sourcing equally exclusive, individual wines from boutique producers that offer value, authenticity and reliability. Our MW led buying team constantly strives to keep the range full of new flavours that add a spark of vitality and refresh the portfolio as well as the palate!
Our current Trade List is available to download now and reflects our core range of wines – we do receive special parcels and other offers throughout the year so if there’s anything in particular you’re looking for then please give us a call even if you can’t see it on our list at first glance. We are constantly sourcing new wines and our News pages aim keep you up to date with these as we source them but if you’d like to know more you’re best to Contact Us for a chat.
The Laytons service is focussed around our customer’s needs – our aim is quite simply to get you what you want, when you want it. Our sales and support teams are geared up to be flexible and ready to react and respond at short notice to unexpected or emergency demands from customers whenever possible.
We’re also pleased to offer comprehensive wine list selection and production facilities, staff training and the creation of sales and promotion initiatives when required. We really do go the extra mile to make sure you make the most of your wine business.