Specialist Wine Shop Poised to Open on Southfield Road
The Velvet Corner described as 'premium neighbourhood retail concept'
The Velvet Corner is based in the former home of W4 Hair and Beauty. Picture: ChiswickW4.com
May 23, 2026
A new specialist wine shop, The Velvet Corner, is preparing to open on Southfield Road in the former premises of a hairdresser , following the granting of an alcohol licence by Ealing Council.
The shop at 66 Southfield Road, next door to Plum Duff, has been approved to operate from 10am to 10.30pm, Monday to Saturday, although the application states that the business intends to open only during the early evening. The licence permits off-sales only, with no alcohol to be consumed on site.
The new venture may provide an alternative to former customers of Wine Rack on The Avenue which closed a year ago.
The application was submitted on behalf of Compute Problem Ltd, whose sole director, Dr Shahroz Khan, is also named as the Designated Premises Supervisor. Dr Khan appears to be involved in other ventures, including Wine Designer Ltd, registered at the same address as Finchley Wines, a long-established specialist wine retailer in North Finchley.
In addition to his wine-related businesses, Dr Khan serves as director and CEO of Compute Maritime, a company based in Chiswick Business Park that claims to have developed the world’s first generative-AI tool designed specifically for naval architects and marine engineers.
In its licensing submission, the business describes The Velvet Corner as: “a premium neighbourhood retail concept created for customers who value provenance, sustainability, and thoughtful service.”
The shop will specialise in organic, biodynamic, and sustainability-led wine producers, offering what it calls a “carefully edited selection” focused on craftsmanship and integrity. Alongside wine, the store plans to stock a curated range of high-end organic pantry items and lifestyle products intended to complement home entertaining and gifting.
The application emphasises that the shop is designed as a quiet, guidance-led retail environment, not a wine bar. The premises will consist of a single retail space with display shelving, temperature-controlled storage, a service counter, and back-of-house facilities.
According to the statement, the aim is to create “a calm, well-curated space” that encourages informed buying and repeat visits.
The opening date has not yet been announced, but preparations at the Southfield Road site appear to be well advanced.
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