UK wine retailer enters liquidation after more than 10 years

Novel Wines described itself as “the UK’s leading independent retailer of undiscovered wines”.

The company sourced bottles from craft winemakers in countries including Hungary, Croatia, and India, shipping to customers across the UK.

Novel Wines operated a physical store in Bath from 2019 until 2024, when it closed to focus on wholesale expansion and online sales, according to Harpers.

Novel Wines enters liquidation after 10 years

Despite these changes, Novel Wines has entered liquidation.

Richard Cole and Stephen Kenny of KBL Advisory Limited were appointed as joint administrators on September 18, according to The Gazette.

The company’s website is no longer operational, displaying only a holding message that reads: “Opening soon.

“Thanks for stopping by!

“We’re just making a few quick changes to the website so it’s much easier for you to shop for great wines.

“In the meantime please email us on hello@novelwines.co.uk and our team will be happy to help.”

When Newsquest contacted the listed email address, both respondents confirmed they had left the company.

Other UK companies that have closed or entered administration/liquidation in 2026

It has been a tough year for the UK high street, with several other retailers entering administration or liquidation and others announcing widespread store closures.

Major high street brands LK Bennett, Claire’s, and Quiz have been forced to close all their remaining stores after falling into administration.

UK fashion retailer Leading Labels is also set to close its remaining 15 stores after falling into liquidation in May.

Whitbread closed all its standalone UK restaurants earlier this month:

TG Jones and the British Heart Foundation will also be closing around 150 stores each across the UK.

Wynsors World of Shoes is shutting 17 stores across the UK, with closing down sales already underway at several affected branches.

Other retailers have been forced to close stores this year, including:

Several UK travel companies have ceased trading or entered administration in 2026:

Wayfairer Travel Limited has also suspended all services “until further notice” as it looks to appoint an administrator.

Meanwhile, four UK airlines have fallen into administration or liquidation:

UK delivery company Yodel is set to be phased out after being acquired by InPost.

It’s also been reported that Morrisons is looking to sell some of its in-store pharmacies as it continues to cut costs.

Meanwhile, iconic fashion brand Nasty Gal has shut down its website after being sold by Debenhams in a deal worth around £12 million (US$16 million).

It hasn’t all been bad news for the UK high street, with several major brands announcing new store openings for 2026, including Joules, Aldi, M&S, and Superdrug.

Meanwhile, brands including Evans and Bodycare have returned to the UK high street this year after previously closing all their stores.

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