Job Overview
We’re looking for someone to take the reins of our independent wine shop and bar in Long Melford. What that looks like exactly? Well, that’s part of the fun. This isn’t a rigid corporate gig with 47 layers of process. It’s a hands-on, roll-your-sleeves-up, chat-to-customers, taste-the-wine, build-the-vibe kind of role.
We’re stepping back a little from day-to-day operations, so we’re open to the right person shaping the space with us. We'll be here to support you and help bounce off, but you’ll be running the shop and bar, keeping things flowing, and helping us figure out what this next version of Gather looks like.
You don’t need to know everything from day one. You do need curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of wine and hospitality.
What you’ll be doing
No two days are quite the same, but you’ll generally be:
- Running day-to-day service in the shop and bar and making sure it all feels easy and welcoming
- Chatting with customers, recommending wines, and helping people discover new favourites
- Keeping an eye on stock, ordering, and making sure the shelves and fridge don’t mysteriously empty themselves
- Supporting simple food service and making sure everything is safe, clean, and up to standard
- Helping shape the atmosphere, events, and general “what we are” as we evolve
- Keeping things calm, even when it gets busy (or when someone asks for “something like Prosecco but not Prosecco”)
What we’re looking for
We’re not trying to tick every box here, but you’ll probably be a good fit if you have:
- Experience in hospitality, retail, or both
- Confidence speaking to customers and making recommendations without overthinking it
- A decent grasp of food safety and general service standards
- An interest in wine (not necessarily expert level, just genuinely curious and willing to learn more)
- A calm, capable approach to busy shifts and the occasional curveball
A bit about the role
This is a slightly unusual one. We see it as a transitional role for someone who loves hospitality but is ready to step away from the chaos of late-night kitchens, big pubs, or high-pressure restaurant floors.
It’s about great service without the burnout. A bit more autonomy. A bit more breathing space. And a chance to help shape a small independent business as it grows into its next chapter.
We’re open on structure, hours, and how this develops for the right person. However evenings and weekends are naturally the busier times, so good availability at those times is crucial.
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Benefits:
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Sudbury CO10 9LB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s):
- If you could only drink wine made from 1 grape for the rest of your life... what grape would it be?
Experience:
Work Location: In person
