People will always drink, even during a recession.

That is the thinking behind a new wines and spirits store which officially opens in Smith's Parish on Monday.

Intermezzo Wines and Spirits is centrally located on the junction between Middle Road and Verdmont Road at 31 Park House, offering everything from 150 types of wine to a large selection of spirits including single malt whiskeys and rums.

The store is owned by George Swan and run by managers Michael Outerbridge and Richard Thompson.

Mr. Swan, who also owns Belvin's Variety stores in Devonshire, Flatts and Bailey's Bay, believes that customers will continue to buy their favourite tipple despite the economic downturn and is confident of filling a niche in the market with little or nothing in the way of liquor stores on Middle Road and the former Burrows Lightbourn store in Flatts closing down.

"Convenience stores typically do well in a recession because people tend to buy what they need for the night instead of doing a big shop at the supermarket and liquor stores also see an upswing in business with people preferring to stay in and enjoy a nice dinner with wine rather than going out and paying for an expensive meal in a restaurant," he said.

Mr. Swan, who previously worked in insurance for Park (Bermuda) Ltd. (now JLT Park) and has been in the convenience store business for the past eight years, was told by a friend about the premises which was vacated by Global Travel Ltd. following its recent move to Hamilton and he contacted the landlord to secure the lease and applied for a liquor licence.

"I decided to come here and take it up a notch in terms of offering and decor," he said.

The majority of his stock is sourced from Burrows Lightbourn and Bristol Cellar and includes wines from countires such as France, Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and South Africa.

Shoppers will also find bottles of champagne, priced between $30 and $250, as well as beers and soft drinks, and a fine line in crystal glasses.

"We have got something for everybody for sure," said Mr. Swan.

Mr. Swan said that the store's key selling point was its price point and location, with affordable quality wines and spirits and easily accessible parking on site.

Allied to that is the knowledge and insight of the staff, with Mr. Outerbridge boasting 16 years experience working at Gosling's.

Customers can make special orders, receiving a ten percent discount on a mixed case of 12 or more bottles of wine or spirits

There are also plans to hold wine tasting sessions, with a ten percent discount on any liquor bought at the event, and to bring in guest speakers talking about wine.

The store, which is named after a dessert and wine bar in Atlanta, is open from Mondays to Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m.

In the future, Mr. Swan plans to open another convenience store in Court Street, Hamilton opposite the new police station.

For more information, contact 293-0656