University friends to open Kettering wine and cheese bar

Laura (left) and Sam (right), and The Wine Room's outdoor balcony

Two friends who met at university will open a wine and cheese bar in Kettering this month.

The Wine Room is opening its doors at The Yards in Market Street on April 30, with an outdoor balcony space in line with Government restrictions.

It's run by 36-year-old housemates Sam Main and Laura Hughes, who first became friends at the University of Glamorgan 15 years ago.

And they're hoping to offer something a bit different for Kettering's town centre.

Laura said: "It's going to be a lovely place to escape and relax with some wine and cheese.

"There's nothing like it in Kettering. We want to bring a little bit of class."

The Wine Room will offer a selection of at least 10 different wines as well as cheese boards and nibbles, with vegan and organic options available.

It will also stock Duration beer - becoming the only stockists of it in Kettering - as well as alcohol-free prosecco and beers.

Sam was originally thinking of opening a cheese shop before the pair decided to open the bar.

Sam said: "I love cheese, I love wine, so we just thought why not?"

They soon set out looking for somewhere to open - and found the unit at The Yards on their second day of searching.

It's a change of career for both of them, with Sam spending time working at St Mary's Hospital in Kettering and Laura spending many years travelling, visiting India, Australia, New Zealand and more.

Laura said: "We never would have done this had it not been for the lockdowns and it's made us follow our dreams."

To book a table at The Wine Room, visit their Facebook page here.