Made In Sussex: Levels Bottle Shop

This month, we launch our eagerly-anticipated SBT Wine Club – with more than a little bit of help from one of Sussex’s most respected wine experts. 

Hardy Ovaisi is a wine connoisseur with a true passion for not just for wine but food too. 

He really does know what tipple goes with what – and will help us shine a light on new, overlooked and standout ‘must buy’ wines. 

As well as owning both food and wine businesses in Sussex, Hardy’s expertise is recognised by those in the wine industry. That is why he is also a judge of wines at competition level. 

Hardy was introduced to the world food at a young age – thank to his father. 

Mr Ovaisi Senior owned a wholesale produce company which Hardy ended up running. 

That work involved the sourcing and supplying of high-quality fresh produce. Customers included businesses large and small involved in catering across Sussex. 

After a decade of working in the food supply sector, Hardy decided to study for a degree in wine. 

He undertook those studies at the Centre for Wine Excellence, based at Plumpton College. 

His hard work and dedication paid off – he gained a BA Honours Degree in Wine Business. Not only that, he was awarded the  prestigious Hakkasan Wine Business Award for being top wine student in the country. 

Hardy was the only student to complete WSET training whilst studying at the college at that time. 

With his university studies behind him, Hardy was moved to start his own business – Cru wine bar and restaurant. 

The business has enjoyed sustained success, going from strength to strength over a period of three years. 

Inspired, Hardy has now launched Levels Bottle Shop and Tasting Room. The business comprises a wine shop, wine bar and wine education centre. Importantly, Levels Bottle Shop is also a wholesaler of wine to the catering trade. 

Having set up Cru in 215, Hardy has gone on to serve as a judge at the IWSC Wine Awards. 

Reflecting on his success at Cru, Hardy says: “What we offer is a quality, seasonal produce–based menu that is ever–changing and an extensive artisan wine list to match. 

“Our head chef Nic Oarton has worked with a host of top chefs, including Marcus Wareing, Heston Blumenthal. He has also won rosette awards.” 

 

Levels Bottle Shop and Tasting Room was founded in December 2018. 

 

 

“It is a hybrid wine shop and wine bar. We host pre–booked private wine tastings,” said Hardy. 

He says he is delighted to team up with SBT to launch the SBT Wine Club. 

Sam Thomas, SBT’s Managing Director, said: “Thanks to Hardy’s outstanding expertise, we can now give our readers the opportunity to try and variety hand–selected wines.”