Tell me a little bit about how you came to own or work in your business?

Before I bought Bottles with my partner, Jordan, I was a response Police officer. I had started my career in
policing in Hertfordshire in 2018 and transferred to West Mercia in 2021 based in Ledbury, Herefordshire.
The opportunity to buy Bottles came up in 2022 and although both businesses were up and running, they
needed some focus and TLC poured back into them, so we decided to take a leap and for me to swap
handcuffs for wine!

What achievements, awards or accolades are you proud of?

Bottles Wine Bar holds ‘Best Bar None’ accreditation. We are immensely proud of this as our staff training
and customer welfare and safety is of the utmost importance to us.

Any news announcements, or events that you’d like new and existing customers to be aware of?

We are very pleased to be venturing out and expanding our events. We are collaborating both businesses
(Bottles Wine Shop and Bottles Wine Bar), in June for a Beer & BBQ tasting event and again in August for
Tequila and Taco’s. We regularly host live music events, supporting local artists in
showcasing their own work on a rotating Thursday and Sunday. We have started selling toasted
sandwiches in the bar too so we are working on the bar being a great place for lunch or a snack!

What makes your business unique?

Bottles Wine Bar has an extensive wine list, or “Wine Bible” as it’s known. Our supplier, Evertons Wine Merchants, is one of 54 independent members in the UK, so we have access to small boutique wine producers around the
world. The wines that we stock are beautiful and rare so it is unlikely you will find our wines elsewhere in
the area. We also have a late licence on Fridays and Saturdays, and live music events every week. Bottles venues are a  fantastic all-rounder mix! We are working on a brand-new Wine Patio so you can enjoy a glass
in the sun this summer!

Favourite restaurant to visit if you get a night off?

Although I’m a pizza girl at heart, I really do love HANBAO in Worcester; their burgers are phenomenal!

Last thing you watched on TV?

Most likely something from Marvel, I think I’ve started the Moon Knight series again.

Which person in your life do you most admire and why?

My partner, Jordan, who co-owns Bottles with me. He has an incredible level of ambition and positivity; his
encouragement and work ethic is unmatched.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

Wine…unsurprisingly!

What’s your favourite smell in the whole world?

Fresh coffee in the morning.

What’s your favourite kind of sandwich?

Anything toasted with cheese.

Who would you want to cook your last meal on earth, and why?

Gordon Ramsey. I am a big fan!

What is the most annoying habit that other people have?

Lack of indicating whilst driving.

If you could eat only 3 foods for the rest of your life, what would they be?

Pizza, Pasta and Cheese.

What’s your claim to fame?

I met actress Sheridan Smith in London while she was performing in Legally Blonde the musical. My Mum
and I were visiting to watch two other shows and after meeting Smith, we booked to see her matinee the
next afternoon and it was the best show out of the three!

Which food & drink business (other than your own) do you wish you had created?

The Beefy Boys – they’re opening their third (I believe) venue now and every time I visit I am greeted with
exceptional service and the food is amazing.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

It’s okay not to be okay…We are all only human and sometimes remembering to take a step back and
breathe can do you wonders! We all need a bit of time to recharge.

If you could be anywhere else right now, where would it be?

In the gym.

What’s the best thing that happened to you last week?

My young pup, Jasper (who is often found on the Bottles social media pages making an appearance),
started making progress with his recall and loose lead training…little steps!

Name a product or service you love so much that you’d happily be that company’s spokesperson?

Gluteywear gym apparel. I’m a keen trainer at the gym and I’ve yet to find more comfortable and flattering
clothing for training in.

As a child, what did you wish to become when you grew up?

An actress. I have always been a huge fan of theatre and musicals. My Mum would take me to a few each
year, and I was part of the Conquest Theatre in Bromyard from a very young age. Actually, I think my first
time on stage was when my Mum was pregnant with me during a pantomime!

What is the perfect combination of pizza toppings?

Pepperoni, mushroom and red onion pizza!

What was the worst job you ever held and why?

My first job out of university was as a Showroom Host in the motor trade. On my first day my new
manager said “Don’t worry, a monkey could do this job!” I respectfully handed in my notice after a month
and advised he find a new monkey!

Favourite band?

Not a band per se, but Lewis Capaldi is a regular on my car playlist.

What was the last thing you ate?

Chicken with broccoli and sweet potato.

Favourite cut of steak?

Ribeye.

What website do you visit most often?

Other than Bottles, that would probably by Canva as I do a lot of design work on there for the business.

What is the most impressive thing you know how to do?

I was in the police so I probably shouldn’t say!

What do you hope never changes?

My Mum’s ability to cook a good Christmas dinner.