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PLEASE NOTE THIS INTERVIEW RECORDING CONTAINS STRONG LANGUAGE
I first heard of Grape to Grain back in 2016 when they opened up in Prestwich, but as I rarely visit that town, I’d never paid it too much thought.
Fast forward to 2017 and when I heard that they were coming to Ramsbottom, naturally my interest was piqued, so I got in touch via Twitter to offer up an interview, as naturally, I like to get to know the local businesses and it’s a great opportunity for you, the listener to learn about them too.
Not only did they get back to me straight away but just four days later I would be in the old Weale and Hitchen building with Tom Sneesby, co-owner of Grape to Grain.
I wasn’t sure what to expect when I first went in, would it be Tom and “Barry” or would it be just Tom, or would it be neither and someone else who will be running the Ramsbottom shop.
I knocked on the door of Weale and Hitchen and entered what will become Grape to Grain Ramsbottom.
Can you tell much from the first few minutes of meeting someone?
I shook Tom’s hand, confirmed it was Tom, even though I recognised him, it’s always good to double check before making a pratt of oneself.
Within the first few minutes of meeting Tom, we’d discussed the incident that happened in their Prestwich shop early on, to how he is a big dog lover. In fact, this was why he got into this business in the first place, so that he could take his dogs to work.
On that subject, Baxter, Toms well behaved Jack Russel has already had a location in the window chosen. Whilst he was sitting there, a lovely lady walked past and waved at the dog.
Without hesitation, Tom beckoned her in to meet Baxter. She was surprised to then also meet Poppy, Tom’s spritely Border Collie.
What transpired is that Tom loves his dogs, and dogs will be welcome in Grape to Grain once they open (you should probably double check this though, don’t take my word for it).
Initially, Grape to Grain will function purely on the ground floor of their premises on Bridge Street, however, they will then be working on converting the upstairs to a more private tasting area.
Drink in or Take Home
Keep in mind too that although first and foremost Grape to Grain will be a wine and beer merchant, you can also drink on site. A corkage fee of £7.50 will be charged, regardless of the cost of the bottle of wine.
Tom was a fantastic interviewee, he is knowledgeable without being pompous, he’s fully aware that people buy wine based on different criteria, and he’s happy to assist, as he said himself “these are all valid ways of buying wine”.
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Episode Links:
Grape to Grain Ramsbottom Kickstarter
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