James Davy is the 5th generation of his family to work at Davy’s, the London company founded by his forebear Francis Edwin Davy, who opened a “wine house” called the Rising Sun in the Strand in 1870. James didn’t plan on joining his family business, but a career in hospitality led him naturally back into the fold. Now chairman, Davy manages over 400 people working across a diverse portfolio of companies: a wholesale wine merchant based in Greenwich, sixteen wine bars, tapas bars and restaurants across London, two wine shops and a Covent Garden cigar shop. He loves the world of wine, he says, but in another life he would have been a car or motorbike salesman – or a racing driver.
Did you always know that you would join the family business?
No, but most of my post-school work ended up being in wineries/vineyards, or hospitality. So, I guess I was subconsciously heading that way.
What would you be doing now if you weren’t in the wine business?
I love cars and motorbikes so I am pretty sure I could have been an effective salesman in that sphere. Or racing driver, in my dreams.
Is there a particular wine region that you love above all others?
I have so many places still to visit, and there is the question of the wine or the region? Shoot me down but I love Bordeaux. For sheer beauty the Douro is a must visit.
Whom do you most admire of the great wine professionals – writers, merchants, winemakers – of the past and present?
Renowned wine writer and critic Jancis Robinson, UK-based fine wine merchant Farr Vintners, Cellarmaster Danie Morkel at Roodekrantz and Spanish winery Miguel Merino.
What are the 3 most important things a wine merchant should remember?
Quality, value and service.
Which do you think is the most underrated wine region?
If you could run a wine business anywhere in the world (apart from the UK) where would it be?
Portugal
Which of your achievements are you most proud of?
Maintaining our business values despite immense external pressures.
What would you have done differently?
So many things with the benefit of hindsight
What qualities do you most admire in a person?
A cheerful and positive approach, no matter what.
What is your main fault?
Jack of all trades
What’s your favourite restaurant?
Rei das Praias in the Algarve region of Portugal.
