Seven Dials Showdown: Co‑op Forces Us Out, Community Fights Back!

If you've walked through Seven Dials recently, you might’ve seen protest banners, press crews, or even joined a crowd of neighbours chanting outside the Co‑op. After ten years of trading as Brighton’s independent wine shop, Seven Cellars is being pushed out and the response from the community (and the press) has been huge.

The Timeline So Far

• In 2021, the Co‑op bought the overarching lease covering Seven Cellars and neighbouring café Latina.

• In June 2025, we were told our lease would not be renewed and that we’d need to vacate by 26 November.

• On 9 July, Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News broke the story, noting the timing of the eviction would severely impact Christmas trade:
  

• Just over a week ago, after significant public pressure, the Co‑op offered a short extension until 12 January 2026 but that offer came very late, and still leaves us facing a move in peak season.

What the Press Are Saying

• The Guardian highlighted how our eviction contradicts the Co‑op’s “ethical” brand image, especially since there’s another Co‑op just 200m away. Louise Oliver, our founder, told them:

“The Co‑op won’t defeat me … but I do want people to know what they’re doing.”

• Brighton & Hove News reported that more than 10,000 people (actually closer to 14,000 now!) signed our petition within days. They also noted:

“Despite being part of the building for a decade, the shop was told it had to go.”

• The West Hill Whistler, our beloved local mag, wrote:

“Seven Cellars and Latina are much-loved local businesses… the new plans feel like a gut punch.”

• The Wine Merchant newsletter picked up the story via industry commentary and social media, framing it as another example of the pressure independent retailers face from major multiples.

How the Community Responded

This hasn't gone quietly and it’s been incredible to witness.

• Two public protests have taken place outside the shop, both organised by local residents. The turnout, the signs, the energy; it’s all been amazing.

• Our petition now has over 13,700 signatures, thanks to all of you sharing and signing.

• A local resident has also launched unfairtrade.co — a community-led campaign highlighting the impact of big multiples pushing out independents. You can pick up protest posters and postcards from our shop to help spread the word!
  

• BBC Radio Sussex interviewed Louise, and The Argus and Brighton & Hove News have kept coverage steady across platforms.

• The story even went viral on Reddit, Facebook, and TikTok, with comments pouring in in defence of Seven Dials’ independent spirit.

Why It Matters

This isn’t just about one wine shop. It’s about the kind of high street we want to protect. The Co‑op already operates another store just a few minutes away. For a business that markets itself as “community first,” this decision feels deeply out of step.

As Louise said in Harpers:

“You can’t market yourselves as a local ... store and then boot out local businesses.”

What You Can Do

If you’re as frustrated as we are, here’s how to help:

• Sign and share the petition
• Tag the Co‑op on social media and let them know how you feel @coopuk @cooppress
• Contact the Co-op press office:Email: pressoffice@coop.co.uk
• Email CEO Shirine Khoury-Haq: skhouryhaq@co-operative.coop
• Support us in-store or online — every order helps!
• Watch our socials for future updates and protest announcements: Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Thank You

To everyone who’s spoken out, turned up, donated, signed, emailed, shouted, sung, or simply popped in to say “we’re with you”: thank you. You’ve reminded us that we’re not just a wine shop. We’re part of something much bigger.

And we’re not going anywhere without a fight.

The Seven Cellars Team