Whitehaven’s very own wine merchant is in the running for Best Small Shop – and needs the community’s help to get the top spot.

Richardson’s of Whitehaven, owned by Gerard Richardson, has been in the top three number of votes over the past few weeks, and with the Indie Retail competition closing on Monday, the wine connoisseur can almost taste victory, with a hint of pride and a top note of excitement.

The popular shop is located on Lowther Street, and offers everything from fine wines and ports to freshly-roasted coffee beans, and has been a much-loved feature of the town since it opened in 1995.

Gerard is delighted to see so many people not only supporting it but also considering it to be the Best Small Shop in the country.

“It’s absolutely thrilling! We’ve always promoted the town but never our own shop, so this is some nice publicity for the town and great publicity for us,” he said.

“It would be lovely if people continued to vote for us, because we always do our bit for the community and will continue to do so, so if people could carry on supporting us it would just be great.”

As well as having the honour of being a finalist, top-voted shops will attend a reception at the Houses of Parliament in November.

Says Gerard: “To even get that far would be amazing.”

To make Gerard’s dreams come true, get your vote in before the competition closes at Indie Retail’s website, or visit Richardson’s of Whitehaven’s Facebook page for more information.