Grape and Grind on Gloucester Road are the Bristol Business of the Week
Posted on: 18 Aug 2014This week our Bristol Business of the Week is Grape and Grind - an independent wine shop located at 101 Gloucester Road in Bishopston (BS7 8AT). They sell a huge range of wines and spirits, as well as beers, ciders and even coffee. 365Bristol caught up with owner Darren Willis to find out more.
1. When did you set up Grape and Grind?
We opened 26th November 2010
2. Are you from Bristol?
No, I grew up in Birmingham but we came to Bristol via a 13 year stint in London
3. How's business?
Good year so far, we’re certainly ahead of where we though we would be after 3.5 years
4. Tell us about your business?
Independent wine shop with more than a smattering of craft beers and spirits. We try to offer a broad range, things that you don’t find in the multiples and keep the range on the move so there is always something new and interesting
5. How do you find running an independent business in Bristol?
One of the most satisfying things about opening on Gloucester Road is the fierce loyalty of the local shoppers. Once we got to know them and they could see what we were trying to do I knew we had picked the right spot.
6. Where do you like to eat out in Bristol?
I wish we could eat out more than we do but I like Manna, Bells Diner and Rosemarinos. My two children love the Mud dock.
7. What's your favourite place in Bristol?
I love the Floating Harbour, on the south side you get an idea of what it was like as a full working dock. The SS Great Britain is superb.
8. Where do you see Grape and Grind in 5 years time?
I think we’ll have a look at a location for another shop at some stage but we’re not in a hurry and it would have to be a really good opportunity. I would also like to get some Enomatic machines into the shop to allow a selection of wines to be on permanent tasting. I think this would change the atmosphere of the shop a little and add an extra dimension.
9. What advice would you give to any aspiring Bristol small business owners?
Specialise. Don’t try and compete with the multiples. Be passionate about what you’re doing and do it as well as you possibly can. The people of Bristol will support you.
10. If you were Mayor of Bristol for a day which one thing would you change?
Public transport (might take longer than a day though). A city this size and growing can’t survive with a bus and single track train network alone.
Grape and Grind, 101 Gloucester Road, Bishopston, Bristol, BS7 8AT
Tel. 0117 9248718
Email. info@grapeandgrind.co.uk
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Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
