The cost of living crisis has yet to hit Hampstead High Street, with an exclusive specialist wine and spirits shop opening this month.

Family-owned importer and retailer Amathus Drinks has been growing its bricks and mortar presence in recent years, and now has nine shops including branches in Bath, Brighton, Shoreditch and Muswell Hill where tipplers can buy everything from cigars and premium spirits to rare and fine wines.

The company was founded in 1978 to import impeccably sourced wine, beer and spirits from around the world on the criteria of provenance and quality. They sell countrywide to Michelin-starred restaurants, bars and five star hotels, including exclusive brands only available through them.Ham & High: Th company also supplies fine wines to Michelin star restaurants and five star hotels countrywideTh company also supplies fine wines to Michelin star restaurants and five star hotels countrywide (Image: Courtesy of Amathus Drinks)

Amathus Drinks opens in Hampstead on March 9, marking an "exciting step" in the company's expansion into select but thriving high streets.

Managing director Harry Georgiou said staff will share their passion for high quality wines and spirits with customers by offering expert advice.

"The most exciting part of our mission is the privilege we have to share the wonderful stories behind each of the amazing producers we import from all over the world with like-minded, adventurous and discerning consumers," he said. 

"The Hampstead area is the perfect fit for our ninth store, with a very cosmopolitan and quality-aware demographic that will welcome our products and services with the same enthusiasm as our other stores. We carefully pick the areas in which we want to build our stores. It's been a year since we opened our last in Notting Hill, so when the Hampstead opportunity presented itself, we knew it was right."​

Starting at £11 for a bottle of wine, there are 2,500 products in store including premium whisky, tequila, gin, rum, Cognac, and Champagne. Add-on services include masterclasses and customer events plus both click and collect and local delivery options.

Amathus Drinks opens at 4 Hampstead High Street, NW3 open Monday - Thursday: 10:30 to 19:30; Friday and Saturday 10.00 to 20.00; Sunday 11:00 to 19:00. All wines are available to buy from https://www.amathusdrinks.com/