Founded by James Dawson, the group announced its second round of crowdfunding via investor website Seedrs in March, aiming to raise £750,000-£1m to fund further expansion. It has now raised 125% of its aim, at £1,287,429 entirely from private sources.
As well as Islington, the group now plans to open another venue in the City this year, with the funds raised going towards sites five and six next year.
It is aiming for 20 sites overall, at a pace of two to four openings per year, as well as development of the group’s wine club, and online presence.
It already runs sites in Battersea, which opened in 2015; and Fleet Street, which opened a year later.
Focusing on artisan wines from small, family-owned vineyards, Humble Grape stocks over 400 varieties from 11 countries. Each site also serves food designed to pair with wine, such as platters and sharing dishes, from head chef Kishen Raheja, using ingredients from independent suppliers and producers.
The Islington venue will feature a bar, dining room, wine shop, and wine library with wine books from around the world.
(Photo: Humble Grape)
Designed with architect Jean Duman of Trellik Design Studios, the site will champion reclaimed and natural materials, using paper from crushed recycled grapes, and a colour palette of deep greens, tan and clay.
There will also be a ‘winemaker wall’, with information and stories from the winemakers, including the experiences of ex-geologist Rose Jordaan, who produces Bartinney Sauvignon Blanc from a mountain on her family farm in Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Vecchie Terre Montefili, which claims to be the first region in Chianti to adopt entirely biodynamic farming and viticultural practices, will also feature.
“I've always loved Islington; the people, the neighbourhood, the buzz,” says Dawson. “We have plenty of clients who live around there too, so it felt like a natural home for the next Humble Grape. We've got some incredibly special new imports lined up just for [Islington]."