A Real Post-Lockdown Success Story
We caught up with owner Gareth Harding to find out more about their business, their passion for the Soho Street range, and his feedback on purchasing from the Comesto portal.
The Grapevine is exactly what the hospitality industry needs; a new venture, instant success and committed buy-in from the locals, but it takes teamwork, effort and imagination to create this success, as Gareth explained.
“This place is really buzzing, Friday and Saturday nights and really busy Sunday afternoons and making sure we keep up the standard of hospitality and the quality of what we offer is a real family affair. My wife Sally runs the business with me, and our daughters Francesca and Charlotte are part of the team too. And in setting up the business we’ve had tremendous help, David who works for Soho Street Cocktails and Comesto introduced us to a new way of sourcing new quality items and a special mention to ‘Debbie the painter’ she is the very talented person who created the very distinctive interior decor that helps create the atmosphere.
The Grapevine has a modern but welcoming look and a sense that you can spend some quality time there. This is reflected in the menu and the offer behind the bar, it oozes quality with a laidback feel. Sharing platters, cheese, charcuterie and fish are big sellers and kids are not forgotten – they do a very pleasing dessert sharing board for kids and grownups.
But it was the growing orders for the Soho Street Cocktails range that first attracted our attention, it seems the Woburn locals really like their cocktails, as Gareth explained.
“We could see the value in stocking a range of pre-mix cocktails, but we needed to know that the quality was there, we have really discerning clients. What helped is the obvious close partnership Comesto has with their brands, samples were given and really useful brand activation from David Hay showing us how best to serve the drinks and introducing us to the fast instinctive ordering portal offered by Comesto. The prices are keen and the delivery really sharp saving time effort and money.”
Woburn of course is a popular tourist destination, Woburn Abbey, Bletchley Park, the safari park and Zoo are all close by. If you are staying in the area or passing through why not pop into The Grapevine for a drink or a meal and on Saturday nights there’s live music, singer Charlotte Rhodes has been a favourite supplying a live lounge feel to accompany the excellent food and drink.
A big thanks to Gareth and Sally and the team, have a great Christmas season and if you live locally to Woburn or you read this and you’re in the area do give the Grapevine a try.
