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Ann et Vin won two awards, including Retailer of the Year, at the Newark Retail Awards on Wednesday 18th June 2008
The wine shop and wine bar is run by the owner, Ann Hayes, who received a trophy for being Retailer of the Year,at the black tie dinner awards ceremony at Kelham Hall from Keith Girling, the chairman of Newark Town Partnership, and Joanna Parlby, the Advertiser’s joint managing director.
The business also won the store design of the year award, which was presented by the Advertiser’s editor-in-chief and joint managing director, Roger Parlby Ann said: “I was completely stunned, as I never expected it.” | 
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The shop stocks wine from all over the world as well as a wide range of Champagne, sherry, malt whisky and gifts, including cards and chocolates.The shop opened over 3 years ago with the wine bar and courtyard opening in November.
Ann, who employs 2 full time members of staff and about ten part-time staff, said it was hard work and I have a fantastic team and business is great.“It has been extremely hard work, particularly the past eight months from opening the wine bar. “It has been a steep learning curve, but we are delighted with it and it gets busier every day.” “The courtyard is the perfect place for a drink in the summer — you could be anywhere in the world.”
The awards, in their fourth year, honour the retail sector’s top achievers and recognise excellence in all areas of retail and Ann et Vin won awards in 2005 for Best New Business, in 2006 Best store design and Investors in People.
There was a record number of nominations from both the public and businesses in the awards, organised by the Advertiser and Newark Town Partnership. The BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter, Mr Melvyn Prior, returned as a compere for the event and the guest speaker was the former Embassy World Snooker Champion, Dennis Taylor.
The awards were judged by Rachel Brown, the Advertiser’s marketing director, Keith Girling, the chairman of Newark Town Partnership, and Stuart Parr, the general manager of Business Venture.
Customer Comments - from Retail nomination formFabulous ambience, comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. Staff very attentive and knowledgeable about the wine and food. Will definitely visit on a regular basis.
Customer service at times goes beyond expectations. Wine knowledge is excellent, patience and understanding again makes customers feel special and a plus is the excellent coffee.
My reasons for nominating Ann – her knowledge and advice is outstanding, with her exceptional range of wines beers and spirits is second to none.
Ann offers something very different to Newark, you feel like you could be anywhere around the world due to the different varieties, atmosphere etc. A real credit to the town.
First class service, friendly charming staff, wonderful store design easy on the eye and very easy to find the wine which enhances the whole shopping experience.
Ann et Vin is a delight to visit. The warmth of the welcome, professionalism, and expertise have always been there but now one has even greater incentive to linger. The opening of a stylish wine bar where you can come for coffee, stay for lunch and sit on into the evening is a wonderful addition to Newark Life. The atmosphere is always as vibrant as the fabulous green wallpaper and the loo is to die for! It always feels as though you are popping in to visit friends.
Ann and her team have successfully transformed the wine shop onto a friendly, relaxed and attractive wine bar – serving fantastic wine, coffee, cakes and tapas – without upsetting Ann et Vin’s appeal as a wine shop. The service from all the staff is excellent, the result is one of the most pleasant places to while away a few hours – at any time of the day. The courtyard will come into its own when the weather improves and customers can enjoy the secluded terrace area as well.
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