LWC is proud to be the UK’s leading independent wholesaler of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
For over 40 years, we’ve been a trusted partner to the hospitality industry, combining deep industry knowledge with a genuine passion for service.
Founded by Robin Gray and Ebrahim Mukadam – who remain at the helm today – LWC was born from first-hand experience of running successful pubs. That background shaped our philosophy: customers first, always. We know what it takes to succeed in hospitality, and we work tirelessly to provide the products, expertise, and reliability that help our customers thrive.
From our humble beginnings in an old mill in Greater Manchester, we’ve grown into a national, sustainable business.
Today, with a support centre in Manchester and 18 depots across the UK, we employ nearly 1,800 dedicated people and proudly supply over 15,500 on-trade customers – from independent venues to national hospitality groups.
The history of LWC
Where it began
Our story began in 1979, when Robin Gray and his then business partner took on The Old Nags Head in Edale, restoring a centuries-old Peak District pub into a vibrant community hub. This soon grew into the Dorbiere Pub Group, operating pubs, bars, and clubs across the North West.
By the mid-eighties, the team had established their own wholesale arm to supply the pub estate. Over the following years, a series of regional wholesalers were brought into the fold – including depots in Stoke, Manchester, Merseyside, Teesside, Lancashire, the Midlands, Leicester and the North East – laying the foundations of a national drinks business.
“When we started Dorbiere we soon realised pubs have tight storage and limited cash for stock - we needed a better way to get the right products, at the right price, at the right time. Cash and carries were time-consuming. Brewers only delivered their own brands. In 1983, we decided to do it ourselves. That’s how LWC began - a composite wholesaler, buying what our customers actually wanted.”
Soon after, Ebrahim joined Robin in the business and started to work together, a successful partnership that remains strong.
From regional roots to national presence
The new millennium brought steady expansion. In the early 2000s, Cornwall was added to the network, alongside a new site in Hereford. By the late noughties, Manchester had moved to a larger base to keep pace with demand, and the South West depot had opened.This period marked the beginnings of a truly national footprint.
"LWC, to me, understands and responds to its operating landscape, embraces opportunities to be leading in its field and values employment growth and engagement."
Building a nationwide network
Through the 2010s, LWC grew rapidly in both scale and reach. Expansion into the Midlands was soon followed by new depots in Yorkshire and London. Further acquisitions in the South East and Northampton strengthened coverage, establishing a nationwide network that stretched across England.
By the end of the decade, LWC had evolved into one of the UK’s leading independent drinks wholesalers.
Modernisation and leadership
The 2020s have been defined by bold investment and leadership in the market. Manchester operations were moved to a new flagship hub, while new depots were added in Doncaster and Andover. Strategic acquisitions in the South East and Wales strengthened regional presence, with Glamorgan opening as a major new site and Merseyside relocating to a larger, modern depot.
Today, with advanced warehouse systems, a modern fleet, and a portfolio of award-winning brands, LWC has cemented its place as the UK’s leading independent drinks wholesaler – still privately owned, but with the scale to shape the future of the industry.
"The team at LWC deliver drinks and value by the wagon load, but manage to add that extra and illusive customer service ingredient. 20 years in the trade and they are the best I have experienced."
Our Mission is clear:
- To offer a comprehensive range of beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
- To deliver sustainably, efficiently, and reliably.
- To back every order with the expert knowledge and personal service that only an independent supplier can provide.
Growth and Recognition
Resilience and innovation have always driven our journey. Even in challenging economic times, we’ve continued to invest, expand, and support the future of the trade. In 2013, our progress was recognised when The Sunday Times named LWC the fastest-growing privately owned drinks company in the UK – a testament to our commitment to both growth and the customers we serve.
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