In May 2019, an unusual incident at Hawksmoor’s Manchester branch captured headlines and became a memorable story in hospitality circles. The restaurant mistakenly served a £4,500 bottle of 2001 Château Le Pin Pomerol—a rare and highly acclaimed Bordeaux wine—to two unsuspecting guests who had ordered a much more modest £260 bottle of Pomerol.
How the Mix-Up Happened
Will Beckett, Hawksmoor co-founder, recounted the event on The Go To Food Podcast with hosts Freddy Clode and Benjamin Benton. According to Beckett, the server went to the cellar to retrieve the requested bottle, accidentally selected the wrong one, and poured it without realizing the error. The guests, unaware of the rare treat they were enjoying, requested a second bottle an hour later, only for the server to discover the absence of any more stock.
The bottle in question—2001 Château Le Pin—is a Merlot-dominant Pomerol noted for its rich texture and depth, with critic Robert Parker describing it as “gorgeous, richly textured, rich, concentrated.”
Public Reaction and Company Response
Rather than conceal the mishap, Hawksmoor Manchester embraced it with humor and grace. The restaurant tweeted:
“To the customer who accidentally got a bottle of Château Le Pin Pomerol 2001 last night (£4,500 on the menu) – hope you enjoyed your evening! To the staff member who accidentally gave the wine away, cheer up! Mistakes happen sometimes, but we still love you.”
The good-natured response went viral and garnered extensive media coverage. Beckett noted that although the mistake involved a high-value item, the positive publicity it generated far outweighed the cost: “We made far more money from it than we would have lost by giving that thing away for free.”
A Positive Outcome for All
In a heartwarming twist, the staff member responsible for the mix-up was later promoted to general manager—a clear testament to Hawksmoor’s values of compassion and confidence in their team.
This incident not only highlights a rare and costly error but also showcases how transparency, humor, and positive leadership can turn a potential loss into a valuable brand moment.
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