The Wine Loft helping the home brewers of St Helens for fifty years

Back in 1963, the government abolished a Victorian law that made it illegal to homebrew alcohol but despite this, Sintellinser John Allen still found it difficult to find anywhere where he could buy adequate equipment.

Deciding to take matters into his own hands, John launched the Wine Loft from an upstairs unit on North Road in 1971.

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The Wine Loft provides equipment to brew beer, wine, and spirits (Image: St Helens Star)

Moving to various locations along the same street, the Wine Loft has stood the test of time and provided professional brewing equipment and expert advice for the past 52 years.

Stocking thousands of items, the independent business helps customers brew their own beer, cider, IPA, wine, and spirits.

After John retired in 2000, owner Barbara Silcock took over the business from his daughter Catherine, once she decided to step down two years ago.

Speaking about the business, Barbara said: "Homebrewing can be an expensive hobby to start off with, but once you have all the equipment it's just about topping yourself up.

"We can't compete with the big online brands with warehouses full of stock, but we do have a lot of regular custom that keeps us going, and a lot of people come in for advice."

The North Road shop has served the community for more than 50 years (Image: St Helens Star)

A former Knowsley Council officer, Barbara worked at the Wine Loft for 10 years before taking over the business.

Becoming a specialist in the brewing industry, she took on the role of owner to prevent losing a dedicated business that has served the community for decades.

Although Barbara noted that custom has dropped off slightly during the cost of living crisis, she said that the Wine Loft saw a huge spike in sales during the pandemic.

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There is a host of equipment on offer for budding brweers (Image: St Helens Star)

Barbara added: "During covid, the shop was mad busy as we stayed open all the way through and we offered a click-and-collect service.

"As a result of the lockdown, a lot more people came to us to start homebrewing and I think the rate of 'mansheds' and garden breweries increased."

John's daughter Catherine, who still works at the shop, said that homebrewing has been part of the family for generations.

While the Wine Loft started with simple means, she said that the process has drastically improved and refined over the years to allow customers to create a variety of delicious beverages.