Husband-and-wife duo open new cheese and wine bar

Juniper and Vine was launched on Friday, April 11, by husband-and-wife duo Gareth and Clare Johnston and features a delicatessen counter showcasing artisanal cheeses, fine wines and a range of charcuterie and deli goods. During the day, the pair say, people can enjoy a relaxed and inviting setting, perfect for sampling gourmet delights. By night, from Thursday until Saturday, the space becomes an intimate cheese and wine bar.

Plans are already underway to introduce themed tasting evenings in the near future, complete with fine wines, Champagnes and carefully selected cheese pairings. The building in which Juniper and Vine is located, 57 High Street, was formerly a tattoo studio called Kadink. Kadink launched in 2006 in Farnborough before eventually moving to Hampshire.



The studio closed last year after the owner, Kevin Dunne, faced issues with his health. In a notice on their website, Kevin said: “I’ve tried my best to keep my studio running because I love tattooing, but my health and family must now come first.” Gareth and Clare applied for planning permission to change the building into a deli in November, which was approved by New Forest District Council in January.

This is the second business that Gareth and Clare have opened in Fordingbridge, after establishing The Gourmet Grocer, also on High Street, in November 2017. The Gourmet Grocer provides a wide range of locally sourced produce including fresh fruit and vegetables, snacks, sweet treats, award-winning wines and more. The pair are hoping to build on the success of the grocer, with the new store acting as an extension of the existing business and a venue with a unique identity.

Many of Juniper and Wine’s offerings could not be accommodated in their original shop due to a lack of space. Clare and Gareth said: “We’ve always dreamed of creating a space like this. “It allows us to offer more of what our customers love and provide a new experience that really complements the Gourmet Grocer.

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