The Wonder Bar

This is not the usual business blog. This is emotional, personal, personable. But that's what this business is too! In our last post, we spoke about the future: events that were being planned and a whole host of exciting opportunities that would arise in 2020. But of course, no one anticipated what would actually happen. I’d originally drafted a post about the experience in Panama, but then a global pandemic rolled in, the confusion and tragedy being enough to silence anyone. If you would like to read about that experience, you can do so here  - I want to stress that the festival itself was an incredible thing to be a part of. We were a tribe on that journey and it was a beautiful thing. I flew back into an empty Gatwick Airport on the 23rd March - the day of the UK's national lockdown. (L-R) Stevie, Arifa & me - Just landed in London on the day of lockdown Since then, I've spent hours gardening, hula hooping, resting, plotting & planning, making videos of live cock

First, an introduction to our newest team member: Mike Roberts. As well as being a long time friend of mine, Mike’s experience in hospitality has spanned several years, including:  cheffing;  running coffee shops; managing large catering contracts for film & TV and event management.  He’s now joined The Wonder Bar on a pro rata basis, offering his skills when needed. A hugely talented force to be reckoned with, he adds a smile and a dance to whenever the situation is warranted - which is all of the time with us!  We’re in cahoots with many a project: review videos of local products, podcasts showcasing local businesses and a potential new venue. We've got a lot on our plates, but I'm looking forward to seeing what the future holds... Look at that face! On the 4th July this year, we will be launching Independents' Day. Aiming to bring together the finest food, drink, fashion, art & live entertainment, amongst other things : a celebration of exciting, indepe

Lots of things have happened in the last few years & as we come up to our 4th anniversary, it’s time for a recap & some which have been visible on social media. It seems there’s never enough time to sit, write & pour out what we’ve been up to in this time... but I can try & summarise: A rebrand; a place in the final of Entrepreneur of the Year category at the Aber First Awards; several weddings, corporate events, loads of cocktail workshops, weird & wacky events, charity gigs, private festivals & making strong ties in South Wales & the West Country.  I disappeared to New Zealand for 7 months. Call it a quarter-life crisis (perhaps a bit generous there...), but it was something I’d been planning on doing for many years. It gave me huge perspective on life & the drive to continue my passion into making The Wonder Bar a success. It can be really hard to be motivated & accountable when you run a small business, especially as a solopreneur, but wh

*This post was first  partly constructed in 2017. Finally edited, finished & published in December 2019... argh! Time certainly flies when you run a small business by yourself.* The last few years has seen me move back & forth south & west wales. In between the events I've been spending precious time with family and friends. Those close to me are growing, setting up their own various ventures & I've been getting stuck in. I've always stressed how community is an important value & supporting other independent businesses is something I feel strongly about. We're all starting from the ground up & so the last few years have seen me doing jobs I’ve never done before - kitchen assistant, door supervisor, retailer, barista & volunteer chef. I’ve always had a strong work ethic - it runs in my blood. I also think it’s partly from my mum telling me I’d never stick to my paper round when I was 13 (I did that paper round for 2 years. Gruelling, a