TGt Meets... Jane Shayegan from Vino Vino

Ahead of 2017's Independent Retailer Month, we had a chat with Jane Shayegan from Vino Vino, an independent wine & cocktail bar, about what business is like in Bath and what's so great about this city!

Describe your business in one sentence…

Vino Vino is a sophisticated wine and cocktail bar with a large al fresco terrace, renowned for its extensive wine list and delicious artisan cheese and charcuterie boards.

What inspired you to set up your business in Bath?

We were inspired by our love of good food and wine, wishing to offer continental style sharing dishes and wines at reasonable prices.

Why do you think it is important to have a month celebrating Bath’s Independent Retailers?

I think it is important to recognise all the hard work and commitment that independent businesses put into Bath, all trying to ensure that Bath stays a unique place to live and visit, whether it is to eat and drink or just shop. We are proud of our beautiful city and want people to share the experience!

In your opinion, what are Bath’s top 3 ‘Hidden Gems’?

The Darling Deli in Combe Down for their amazing salads

Dufflebag in the Guildhall Market  - Gill Bell has a fantastic selection of bags

Running Bath – excellent helpful staff

What do you think attracts people to Bath?

People are attracted to Bath as it is full of history, beautiful architecture and unique independent shops and restaurants owned by businesses that care passionately about their city.  We are so lucky to have the various literature, art and music festivals in Bath, all of which attract many visitors to the city, and to be so well supported by the fantastic Bath Bid and Visit Bath.

What have been your key challenges and how have you overcome them?

The main challenge we have faced is the recession, people have less disposable income and this combined with the fact that big chain restaurants often produce their food in central kitchens, enabling them to keep costs down without the need for trained chefs, is a real challenge to us.

The public in general would prefer to eat good food that is freshly cooked and we use local suppliers as much as possible, for example, Eades greengrocers, which are also a family business and fresh fish from Dorset.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Bath?

Our favourite places to eat are  - The Peking House for Chinese food, The Scallop Shell for fish and chips and The Secret Garden Café at Prior Park Garden Centre for a delicious lunch.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

In the 1980s we owned one of the first wine bars in Bath – Bloomers Wine Bar which at the time was a really popular place to enjoy a drink and we made a lot of good friends there. To be in this business again, to have been involved in the design and creation of a brand new wine and cocktail bar and to be still serving some of those friends (and their grown-up children!) feels like a huge achievement and privilege.

Describe Bath in 3 words

Beautiful, Unique, Historic.