Customer stories split into two clear camps. Many mention quick dispatch, secure packaging, and helpful staff. A separate group reports orders not fulfilled after the company entered administration. Some customers got fast replacements or refunds for damaged goods. Others describe missing orders, unanswered emails, and refunds that never arrived. These very different outcomes leave sharply divided views of the service.
Examples from available reviews (Nov 2011 – Feb 2026).
Company went bust and is refusing to refund a £200 order.
“went bust and refusing to refund me £200”
Orders were dispatched promptly and arrived within three days.
“dispatched very promptly and arrived within 3 days of order.”
They promptly replaced a wrong item after emailing customer service.
“they straight away sent the right one.”
Sent multiple emails and only received one item with no reply.
“I have sent a few email only received one item of my order”
A repeating negative theme is insolvency and orders not being completed, with several customers saying the company refused to refund large orders after it entered administration. In contrast, others praise fast delivery, delivery-date selection, and careful packing. Handling of damaged items varies: some reviewers report immediate refunds and compensation, while others say they received no reply.
Many reviewers point to a wide choice and acceptable pricing. Some highlight high prices on certain items and extra delivery charges. Complaints about pricing appear less often than problems with delivery and communication.
Several customers describe ordering as quick and straightforward, with checkout working reliably. Views on usability are mixed: some call the website user-friendly with solid order updates, while a smaller group says it looks outdated. Complaints about the site’s look appear, but they are not a main theme.
Many reviewers praise the condition and presentation of items, along with the availability of niche mixers and bottles. Fewer report quality problems such as discoloured bottles or faulty kegs. When issues arise, some customers received quick replacements or refunds, while others did not.
Many customers mention quick, helpful email replies and fast fixes, including replacement items sent without long proof requests. Others report no response to repeated emails and missed reply deadlines. These communication gaps often sit alongside delivery failures or disputes linked to the administration.
Overall feedback is strongly split between consistently smooth orders and serious fulfilment failures tied to administration and poor responses. Repeat customers on the positive side describe dependable service, while the negative group focuses on missing deliveries and refunds that were not resolved. These extremes drive how the service is perceived.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (20) · Reviewcentre (10) · Collected.reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: February 2026
Company went into administration and failed to dispatch orders.
“Avoid Avoid Avoid! went in to administration in Jan.”
They promptly replaced a wrong item after emailing customer service.
“they straight away sent the right one.”
Company went bust and is refusing to refund a £200 order.
“went bust and refusing to refund me £200”
They went bust and left me £200 out of pocket on an order.
“They’ve gone bust leaving me £200 out of pocket on an order”
Courier damaged item and company did not respond, refund via PayPal.
“No attempted delivery made due to the item being damaged within the courier system.”
They missed the selected delivery date and stopped responding to emails.
“They haven’t even responded to my last email to them.”
Seamless ordering and consistently prompt delivery with DHL.
“each time the experience was absolutely outstanding!!”
Orders were dispatched promptly and arrived within three days.
“dispatched very promptly and arrived within 3 days of order.”
Customer service was prompt and the order arrived well packed.
“Communication from customer service team has been great and very prompt”
Sent multiple emails and only received one item with no reply.
“I have sent a few email only received one item of my order”
Seller claims courier collected order but DHL denies, no seller response.
“I have contacted TheDrinkShop twice but have not yet had the courtesy of a response.”
One bottle changed colour and the company gave an unhelpful reply.
“If you try it and it doesn't taste right then don't drink it”
Fast delivery with very good communication and professional packing.
“Very good communication and fast delivery (48 hours).”
Fast reliable delivery with delivery date option and good packing.
“Fast reliable delivery and the option to choose delivery date.”
Damaged bottles were promptly refunded including postage and compensation.
“immediately offered to refund the cost of the damaged bottles, the postage cost plus another £10”
One faulty keg and poor customer service with no email replies.
“No reply to our emails.”
Complaints team quickly sent a replacement glass without requesting photographs.
“the complaints team dealt with my issue very quickly and efficiently”
These ladies communicated easily and produced a special shirt.
“these ladies are wonderful.”
Reviewer praises products, prices, customer service and fast delivery.
“BEST PRODUCTS, BEST PRICE, BEST CUSTOMER SERVICES & SHUPER DUPER 24H FAST DELIVERY”
Website showed stock but the item was out of stock, missing Mother's Day delivery.
“website stated 3 left at the time I placed the order”
Website looks outdated and delivery/customer experience felt old-fashioned.
“TheDrinkShop website looks like it was out of date in 2002”
The Drink Shop's customer service is so rude and arrogant. I have been a long time customer of your shop. During my last order, I had the giffard - caramel (salted caramel) sale returned to me without any reason. I didn't like the flavor of it and asked for a return, but I don't expect that they will return it to me as a sale item. Besides, the service man does not want you to inquire about any other thing from them, immediately you start asking a question he hangs up on you. This is not how things should be done, I feel robbed with disgusting characters.
Order not delivered after nine days and customer service missed response deadline.
“Put in an order 9 days ago still not delivered.”
Easy ordering and the bottle arrived as promised within three days.
“it arrived, as promised, on Friday 16th December. Fantastic.”
Staff were helpful, gave good advice, and the website was easy.
“All the staff are very good and extremely helpful.”
Massive range with timely delivery and items in excellent condition.
“delivered on time in excellent condition”
Extensive selection and user-friendly site, but some items and delivery are expensive.
“The only downside is the price of some alcoholic beverages to which one has to add the delivery costs.”
Quality was superb and the reviewer will recommend and reuse.
“The quality of the produce was surberb and packing and presentation of the goods when they arrived.”
User-friendly site, low price, excellent packaging and timely updates.
“i recieved regular emails and felt i was kept up to date.”
Repeated use with consistently reliable service every time.
“I have used this site several times and evrytime it works like clockwork.”
Offers alcohol and hard-to-find trendy mixers like Fentimans.
“Not only alcohol but the hard to find trendy mixers of the moment such as Fentimans.”
This page combines submitted experiences with public reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, etc. Recurring points are summarised without changing the content of reviews.
The Drink Shop runs an online store selling alcoholic drinks and mixers to customers in the UK. Its range typically includes spirits, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic mixers, with ordering available through an account or guest checkout. The site includes standard features such as product pages, a basket and checkout, multiple payment options, and a returns policy for faulty items. Customers can contact support by email or phone about orders and returns.