Taittinger’s UK ambassador dies aged 59

Taittinger’s jovial and longstanding UK ambassador Justin Llewelyn has died aged 59.

Justin Llewelyn

Justin, who had not been well for some time, suffered a fatal heart attack on Saturday evening, 8 December, just a few days before his 60th birthday.

Working alongside Taittinger’s UK distributor Hatch Mansfield, Justin played a powerful role in the development of the Champagne brand’s sales and distribution in the hotel and restaurant sector, as well as independent retailers.

Indeed, Justin had attended the Hatch Mansfield Christmas party the night before he died.

Speaking following news of his death, Hatch Mansfield’s Patrick McGrath said, “Dear Justin was without doubt one of the kindest and most generous people that we will ever meet. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. Over the last 20 years he worked tirelessly to promote Taittinger in the hotel and restaurant industry and it is due to his hard work and total commitment that Taittinger is such a strong brand in this sector today.

“He will be sorely missed by all of us and we must remember all the happy times that we had with him.”

Continuing, he added, “He was a man of many talents with a wicked sense of humour and I for one am going to miss him dreadfully. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Claire and daughters Rosamund and Charlotte. They are being incredibly strong and are relieved that his suffering is over and he is now at peace.”

The drinks business has fond memories of Justin, and during the dinners and events we both attended, team db enjoyed his amusing stories, welcoming manner, unstuffy approach and immense knowledge of Taittinger, Champagne and the fragmented UK on-trade.

Justin, who lived in Sleaford, Lincolnshire, had been a stalwart of the drinks trade for almost 40 years and always remained loyal to his Welsh roots.

Son of Desmond Llewelyn, who played the legendary “Q” in seventeen James Bond films, Justin was immensely proud of his father. He was an admirer of all things Bond and enjoyed the fact that Taittinger Comtes de Champagne was the choice of Bond in Casino Royale.

As well as his knowledge of Champagne, Justin was also one of the UK’s leading equestrian commentators working at such well-known events as, Badminton, Blenheim, Burghley and the Gatcombe National Championships. He also acted regularly as FEI steward and was proud to officiate as a steward at the last three Olympics. He was also a great friend to The London International Horse Show Olympia.

His hobbies included game shooting, books, gastronomy and films and he was a passionate supporter of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

There will be a small family funeral before Christmas with a memorial service to follow early in 2013.