Frontage.

Does anyone actually read public notices? I must admit that they can crop up in the most unlikely places. And maybe, depending on the sort of place, it is being brought to public notice.

Many people have a moan about something when it has been built, or opened, and it is too late.

I say about planning, because I saw a laminated notice flapping around a lamp post near the Budgens store in Grangeway during August 2024.

Is it me, or do other readers think that the idea of a wine bar bring back memories of Yates’ wine bar (are they still going?), or that comedy from the 1970s into the 1980s, called Robin’s Nest?

The exact location for the wine bar is 163 Grangeway - between the Rajah's Grill, and Budgens - and it emerged that is was going to be trading under the name of “Grape and Grain”.

Owner James.	Cheers.

On Thursday 21st November, 2024, the local newspaper announced that things were moving forward, and it was hoping to open in the next few weeks.

The format is going to be a mix of Social club and a family drinking spot. Admission is courtesy of being a member, and there are hopes to have a membership of local people living on the Home Farm estate etc.

The Bar.

Glowing.

Some senior readers may recall that Home Farm estate was built in the late 1960s, by Rushden firm Arthur Sanders Ltd. They were around until the early 1970s, and you could not fail to spot their salmon pink coloured vans. Head offices were in Rectory Road, the area of where the Job Centre was based. Their plant department where machinery was stored and repaired, was in what is now Oliver Close. This was also the base for the Plumbing, and Painting and decorating departments.

To keep everyone entertained, there is a games area, with darts, pool and arcade machines.

Local lad Mr James Kirk is in charge, he is the son of Mr and Mrs Bob Kirk. Many people may know Bob from running his business in town, or from his football refereeing days? 

James had been running the Wheatsheaf Inn in town for several years. That shut in 2019.

Friday 27^th December, 2024 was the big day, and “Grape and Grain” is now up and running.