I had never heard of this treasure trove of alcoholic goodies until recently, and I just had to share it with you guys!
It’s safe to say that Cornwall is home to a vast range of hidden gems, but most would expect these to come in the form of sandy beaches, historic locations, beautiful gardens and much much more. However for connoisseurs or those of you who are very enthusiastic about your booze, there’s one hidden gem that should not be missed.
From the outside, Constantine Stores looks like an ordinary village shop, but once you’re inside you’ll find what can only be described as an Aladdin’s cave of whiskey, rum, gin, wine, beer and everything in between. What’s so charming and impressive is that this is a family business that’s been around for 60 years — one that’s home to the most comprehensive range of wines and spirits in the whole of the South West. It’s a gold mine for anyone seeking something old or rare.
Where Is It?
Constantine Stores in is Constantine, of course, which is about a twenty-minute drive from Falmouth — or seven miles if you want to be technical. If you’re from the Truro area, it’ll take you a little longer, maybe half an hour or so, but it’s definitely worth the drive. Constantine is a very quiet, tucked away village, which adds a sense of personality to the area and lets you avoid the hustle and bustle, and abundance of foot traffic of some of Cornwall’s busier towns. This gives you plenty of time to enjoy the local shop atmosphere and pick the perfect bottle of booze.
If you’re making the trip over, why not stop in at the lovely Potager Garden cafe for some lunch too?
Something to Suit Everyone’s Needs
Everyone has their preference when it comes to drinks, whether you like to sip on a glass of single malt scotch (the store has over 1000 types of whiskey, including collectors’ pieces worth £1000s!) or a fruitful red wine, or you’re looking for the perfect gin for a delicious G&T. I was so impressed by their huge wall of gin, including a section for new gin brands and of course some amazing Cornish bottles too (they have over 550 types!).
Constantine Stores has everyone’s needs at heart. The only problem is that once you’ve crossed the threshold and are faced with ceiling-high aisles of boozy goodness, it’s almost impossible to leave empty handed.
Its staff members are also very enthusiastic and well versed when it comes helping people find something particular or providing a recommendation based on the flavours and characteristics they like in their favourite drinks.
Grab your New Years Eve tipples here!
While it may be too late to grab a gift for Christmas (although I’d recommend bookmarking their online store ready for next year!), New Year is just around the corner, and I can’t think of a better place to stock up on everything you need for the celebration.
Gin and tonics are one of the nation’s favourite drinks, so why not grab one of the many flavoured gins or gin liqueurs the store has on offer? The violet ones are my absolute favourite right now, and they even have a Cornish clotted cream flavoured gin too!
Yes, there are pricey, rare bottles for the hardcore wine and spirit lover, but there are thousands of bottles at very reasonable prices too, perfect for stocking out your New Years party or taking along as a gift for your host wherever you may go.
You Can Buy Alcohol Online from Their Store
Not local? No problem! Aside from being a charming local shop, Constantine Stores also lets you buy alcohol online through its eCommerce site “Drinkfinder”. Its website is organised efficiently and is very user friendly, so you’ll have no trouble finding what you’re looking for, and that’s saying something when you consider the enormity of the range of wines and spirits it stocks. Anyone who doesn’t live nearby or simply prefers to shop from the comfort of their own home can still browse and purchase any of the products they have in stock, although I’d definitely recommend going to the physical store – it’s a feast for the eyes!
It’s a funny thing to get so excited about a shop so hidden off the beaten track, but I’ve been telling everyone I see all about it since visiting. As a graphic designer as well, walking around the store and seeing all the beautiful brands and labels is so much fun too. It really is like a candy shop of alcohol!
The store is closed tomorrow (Christmas!) and boxing day, but re-opens on the 27th and is open 9 ’til 4pm on New Years Eve too.
Find out more and get details on how to get there on their website.
* This post is sponsored but all opinions are my own – this shop really is epic and not enough people know about it!
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