What a week it’s been, unprecedented in nearly 23 years of running wine stores.

We would like to thank everyone who’s been coming in to support us and have just been plain lovely. We feel lucky to be currently still able to sell the things we love when so many of our kindred spirits, friends and loved ones in hospitality have lost their jobs or have been forced to close.

We are living in a very surreal time and no-one really knows what’s going to happen, but there is a lot of fear and panic and some very confusing information that unfortunately isn’t really helping anyone.

At the front line of dealing with this fear and panic in store are our Blackhearts family of staff members that greet you every time you come in. We really want you to stop and think about how they are feeling.

We are doing everything we can to ensure their workplace is safe and clean, so that we can remain open to bring that little glimmer of hope and fun to your day through this difficult time. Whilst the majority of our customers are lovely, respectful and on the same page, there has been an element that has made life unnecessarily difficult for our team.

The social distancing, card payment only, cleaning regimes, and restriction of numbers in store have been implemented by us company-wide - not by the staff member that you’re venting to. So, to those that don’t respect these measures and scoff or have been visibly angry  (and smashed a shop window), and to those that have gotten upset that we are out of certain stock due to unprecedented demand, we ask that you please take a moment to breathe and think about the impact you are having on the person in front of you.

These are challenging times and we all need to be kinder to each other than ever before, not angry and aggressive. We need to respect each other’s feelings and values. If you can’t get onboard with this and help us look after our staff, then I’m sorry, we can’t look after you.

Stay safe, and please, look after each other.

Love,

Jess & Paul