The results are in!
Shaping the future of our community bar together.

We were thrilled with the response to our recent survey asking for your ideas on how to make our community bar even more welcoming. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts!

We've been carefully reviewing all of your suggestions, and we're excited to share some of the key themes and ideas that emerged. From refreshing the decor and diversifying our offerings to exploring new events and activities, it's clear that our community has a vibrant vision for the future.

In this report, we'll delve into the specifics of what you had to say, highlighting common threads and exploring some of the most popular suggestions. We're committed to taking your feedback seriously as we work to create a space where everyone feels welcome, comfortable, and valued.

Nog, Chair of the Board

What are some things that would make you visit the bar more often?

"A better range of non-alcoholic drinks."

"More options for sitting."

"Less of an atmosphere of having to get drunk, like speed drinking."

"More events perhaps to make the bar 'less stale'."

"Something that felt like the layout of the space opened up, difficult to do in a very small space though!"

"A few more non-alcoholic drinks e.g. the more grown-up pressé or a non-alcoholic cider. If you have to drive it’s off-putting if you can only have one drink! At the moment, apart from very limited soft drinks like coke, there are only 2 options."

"Seeing a broader range of people there."

"It’s a bit gloomy - the curtains and cushions are very drab colours."

"A taxi service as we live by Wrabness woods, but it is not safe to walk in the dark on the road or through the woods."

"I spend far too much time there already! More opening days and longer opening hours."

"Bar games, quiz nights and bingo nights."

"Lunchtime opening."

"A little splash of colour to make it feel more warm and welcoming."

"Music playing."

"Could use some noise suppression! Gets too loud at times."

"Comfy seats and smaller tables. Later opening maybe. Different drinks - fruit cider, better quality spirits, different flavours of soft drinks, some things that are more modern."

"Make the entrance less daunting - it is currently a long narrow vista to navigate."

"Replace square and oblong wooden tables with lighter-weight round ones."

"Replace wooden church benches and red wooden chairs (that are hard and which, due to their width, take up a lot of space) with chairs that fit neatly under the new tables and have at least some fabric or wicker-type seats/backs in their construction."

"Reduce the noise and by so doing enhance social interaction (it is almost impossible to hear unless the bar is half full at most) by fitting industrial/railway carriage type carpet - anything to reduce the hard surfaces everywhere would help."

"A side extension would solve a lot of the problems - creating space for round tables, chairs (with fabric/wicker/rattan) to create more of a family space which bar-timid people like me could feel carefree about calling into on my own."

"You can go into bars now and get e.g. tea and coffee and snacks - those are on offer but not very obviously."

"More daytime activities or activities that are not just about drinking a lot e.g. gin or wine tasting, quizzes, music. Drinks changed more regularly, update layout (seating/tables), move opening times back an hour (7-10 & 7-9; appreciate respect for neighbours but we are respectful and opening until 10 is not unreasonable on a Fri/Sat evening)."

"Outside seating with heating. Live music. Large TV with surround sound. Themed nights i.e. Country & Western."

"A bit more of a cafe vibe - I don’t drink and find the bar a bit hard sober. Maybe a bit more of a place to go and chat in the daytime. Always feels like a place you shouldn’t go in the day as it's being used for shop stuff. It would be good if there was say an afternoon on a weekday when other groups could meet - maybe an elderly memory group - preschool/toddlers or just a cup of tea and cake afternoon for donations."

"To be honest these red chairs are awful and some more comfy chairs would be good, even a little sofa. Free up some space. Could the cupboard go somewhere else and the bookcase so you could visit the bar with a couple of friends and have a private corner to chat."

"I love the bar and am so grateful for the new friends I have made there. Even though I have lived in the village for many years, I’ve met people I hadn't met before. This has resulted in trips away which wouldn’t have happened without the bar. Same is true for Wrabfest and Wrabness Has Got Talent etc."

"Distance and you can't help that. More comfortable seats."

"There are only a few of the comfortable flexible plastic chairs. The benches are hard. Plastic chairs are uncomfortable to spend time in."

"Opening on a Thursday."

"Opening hours start too early. Open say 18:30 - 21:30 on Friday and Saturday."

"Young children should not be allowed in the bar an hour before closing time."

"I am happy as it is."

"More free time to enjoy our neighbours' company in the bar."

"None, already a regular."

"Open on a Thursday evening. Sky sports. Dartboard, chess, backgammon, cribbage etc."

"Being single, having more money, living closer, longer hours, lap dancing, big screen TV."

"It is such an incredible place for the community - the village would be a very different (worse) place without it. It really helped us integrate and develop a sense of belonging when we moved to the village."

"I think it deserves some proper investment and a bit of professional help to think about how we can maximise the space. I'd like it to feel a bit more cool. I think some integrated soft bench seating. Removing all storage and replace with display shelving."

"I know it's contentious but I think the location of the coffee machine can be rethought to free up some more space. Do we need both doors - let's get some professional advice from fire [safety] etc."

"The bar area needs a complete overhaul now the business has grown - storage and display of drinks. The keg and cask storage outside is brilliant. Could we get another under-counter fridge and remove the wine cooler?"

"Better till that manages tabs and does better reporting."

"The garden is such an opportunity. I have heard a few people mention some kind of pergola with an adjustable roof. I do wonder what the alternative is to the hedge and that the entrance could be made more welcoming." "I wish wish wish there was shop access during bar hours."

"Art club is awesome, could we rotate it more often and include some artists from surrounding villages and towns too?" "Lighting is a big thing. It's a shame we lost the pendant lights over the bar. Some low lights on the walls would be great too."

"A better sound system - not so it goes louder but so we get better coverage and nice sound." "It can be pretty daunting walking in sometimes, especially for new people, but once in then generally people are friendly." "Better during the summer as the side door is open so you can get settled into the garden before ordering a drink."

"I enjoy coming. More alcohol-free drinks aside from AF beer or kids' drinks, more varied activities, opening up to more age groups."

"More shop than bar, but we get regular visitors from the US who are metal detectorists. They use the fields around us. Do they know the shop exists?"

"Could it be open more days and open a little earlier and later?"

How do you feel when you visit the bar?

"Sometimes intimidating if big groups are there, even if they are welcoming. Like you are in ‘their’ space and a bit like an interloper."

"It’s ok but a bit daunting when you don’t know anyone."

"Love the bar."

"Among friends."

"It's a very welcoming bar but it would be nice to have more younger people going there as it seems to have more of the older generation."

"Very good."

"Welcomed."

"Comfortable and welcomed."

"It’s like going into someone’s front room that you don’t know - that can be quite intimidating when everyone knows everyone else."

"Good vibes."

"On chatting to people in the shop on Saturday, I am far from alone in the view that follows. On entering that door on my own I am faced with a long table of women on the RHS who are full of joy with lots of bottles on their table and although I know them all and they are all very nice, welcome me and are in no way stand-offish, it's just opening that door and facing them on my own that is uncomfortable. Having got in through the door, there is usually a bank of men standing at the bar - again all friendly but it takes confidence to go up there on my own."

"A bit uncomfortable in the evening, but great for coffee mornings and other use. In the evenings there seems to be a core group of users who know each other well and drink heavily. Sometimes I have found the language and conversation offensive."

"Feel it provides a good community social hub that brings the village together."

"Sad as no Draught Guinness."

"Financially inadequate when I leave."

"I like it once I am in - usually! Going in is hard - you can't pop in to see who is there. You are either in or out. Often 2 big established groups (men at bar, women around table) this puts me off."

"A bit daunting especially for visitors. There tends to be a big group (mostly women) around the table which looks penetrable BUT I have always been welcomed when I have popped in on my own and space made for me - but sometimes smaller groups would be good?"

"Pleased to be amongst so many friends." "Love it, would like it bigger." "Stressed but when I leave fully relaxed."

"Friendly atmosphere, people will always speak to you and make you feel welcome."

"Happy."

"Very welcome."

"Amazing, the best community bar ever."

"Good."

"Welcome."

"Excellent."

"Thirsty."

"Welcome but sometimes like it's a bit cliquey. I think professional help with furniture layout can really help with that."

"I think there should always be music/radio on. Doesn't have to be loud but just for background as when it's a quiet night it breaks up the awkwardness of the situation and you don't feel like you are being loud/being listened to.”

“Regarding the banquette seating, it would be perfect placed in the corners and walls by the front door. This would not only provide a smart but relaxed look like that in a regular bar/pub, but would also stop people moving furniture around thus ensuring people that would probably not sit together to do so - encouraging socialisation and less awkwardness for new people coming in. I think closing the single door and using the garden entrance for functions is a good idea as it allows for more seating and tables, especially if the round tables are used.”

”Getting rid of the pews, round tables and soft seats or stools to absorb the sound. Round tables would break the linear nature of the big table when people want to sit together and would perhaps be less intimidating for new customers.
An outside structure that would extend usage in the rain/winter would be a good idea, if slated it could be adjusted to allow shade in the summer whilst still allowing the feeling of being outside."

"I like the atmosphere."

"Invading others' territory."

"Very good."

"Very welcomed."

On a scale of 1 to 5, how satisfied are you with the following aspects of our Bar? (1 = very dissatisfied, 5 = very satisfied)

The quality of the drinks

The variety of the drinks

The price of the drinks

The atmosphere of the bar

The service of the staff

The cleanliness of the bar

Do you have any other comments or suggestions for our Bar?

"The fact we have it is great."

"We have had great social community interaction from having the bar and the benefits of having the bar outweigh any negatives."

"I am concerned about its long-term sustainability more than the shop function as it is more of a particular group's drinking club rather than a bar for the village. More bar stools? Tables allowing greater mixing? At the moment it’s three big tables but that’s off-putting."

"Would love transport and social events...but not sure when events are on if any?"

"Keep dogs out! I know this will not be popular."

"Comfy seats. Proper multi-speaker music system."

"Make better use of the outside space with a conservatory or extension."

"We come from Bradfield to visit so you are doing a good job except sometimes we don't arrive until you are just about to close as we visit on our way home from a meal but I appreciate you are all volunteers."

"I love that it’s a part of the village and that we have it. I wonder if there could be some other ‘events’ that happen to welcome newcomers and people who aren’t necessarily part of the social circle. I get that space is an issue for the building but I wonder if something could be done inside to give some more room."

"Have popped in on the way home from a meal out on Saturday nights, a bit rushed as we normally just make last orders. Maybe 10pm on Saturdays would be good, we'd be able to pop in more. I understand it is run by volunteers though. Gary, top barman :)"

"I think I have said it all above."

"The décor and furnishings are bearing up well from when they were installed and the layout cannot be changed without compromising the wheelchair access to the toilet. I think it is important that the community room/bar does not become too much like a pub: it should retain a daytime coffee morning vibe."

"Build a sun lifestyle pergola with a louvered roof + sides in the garden."

"The manager is an unkept ruffian."

"I'd say clear some space (could the cupboards go? be moved?). Make some furniture different. Lower, more friendly. It's very inflexible the way it is set out. The red chairs get tangled and are a pain. It's hard and echoey. It's hard to drop in if you are not in an already established group. One more thing. I've been in the bar and heard local people/individuals spoken of negatively by bar people. I hate that. We are a small community and I like to think there is a place for everyone. This has really put me off going to the bar. I don't think everyone feels welcome."

"When friends visit they are totally envious of the bar. It really is a great resource for the village with a friendly atmosphere. Pity there isn’t a bit more space."

"I think the furniture is inappropriate and uncomfortable. The pews are awkward to move/rearrange, ugly and uncomfortable. Could be waterproofed and relocated to the garden? The red chairs are uncomfortable and cumbersome. Do we need both doors? Could we just use the garden door and leave the other main door as a fire escape? That would free up more room for another table. Are the filing cupboards essential? Please keep the bookcase, it's great to bring and borrow books. Could we move Jenny's cupboard back to where it was by the garden door then we could have another table in the corner. The acoustics are terrible. Can we sort some baffles out? There was a move to make some out of old towels but nothing happened. A bit more soft furnishings would help. I love the art club pictures and have bought a couple. Could the art club be encouraged to change them around a bit more often? It's great to have an Alexa in the bar to play whatever music we want. A big thank you to everyone who keeps our little bar running."

"Open early on a Friday 3pm for families/soft drinks once a month?"

"More comfortable seating as above. Build an extension to fit even more people in at busier times. Yes we know it's not feasible!"

"Too many [ideas] for this form. Is it possible to arrange a site meeting in order to fully discuss ideas? Remove most of the grass and replace with grid + 20mm stone for all-weather use. Renew bar itself. Secure the bar."

"Church pews should be kept as seating. These accommodate more people and are part of the village history. Bar could be extended into the flat at the back of the shop, income from rent would not be affected and the bar would accommodate more customers."

"Keep it the same."

"Ann and I have only been here for a few months, but we really enjoy the bar. When we are telling our friends how lovely Wrabness is we always talk about the how and especially the bar."

"The bar is great."

"Get rid of the pews! They create a 'running the gauntlet' atmosphere for newbies. High tables? Maybe a pew in front of the double doors?"

"Additional draught bitter."

"I think you should have a Wrabness cocktail."

"Improve the exterior. First impressions. Coloured lights, inviting non-threatening signage. Improve garden. More planting. Replace hedge with something more welcoming. Involve gardening club. Gravel, move recycling. Trellis. Paint fence, bricks. Indoor plants. The acoustic atmosphere in the bar is still very lively/loud. More soft furnishings. Cheap carpet. Buy a good wet/dry vacuum. Make it possible to buy stuff from the shop during bar hours. Free volunteer transport to and from bar. Subsidised transport for people on the outskirts (from the actor's house to Ramsey to the Saab garage) on a mileage basis possibly paid in drinks one night a week/month. Rio's cafe in Manningtree [was] done by a local artist not too dissimilar to the ones by Alice. Use a map of Wrabness as a source of local history. Former owners, points of interest, photos, more local pictures on the wall. Involve the church. The web parish mag. Advertise the space for hire. Raffle off the pews to help with refurb/auction. Family days. Positive time for families and children to attend without aggravations. Maybe a Thursday + facilitate pizza lady to serve near the bar."

"It's important that the changes improve things but ensuring that the existing customers don't feel pushed out. I think change can be phased and made sensitively though and we shouldn't let it hold us back."

"More events/theme nights.”

“Broader selection of white wine. In addition to a house wine - [I] am happy to pay more for an option in a higher price bracket/just mixing it up for a special occasion.”

“Friendlier/more welcoming seating arrangement (i.e. smart but comfortable banquette style)”

“Seeing new faces - always nice during summer with caravan and beach hut people plus residents in the new estate."

"Better acoustics in the bar, some form of sound absorption as I find it hard to hear when it is busy."

"Build a conservatory type extension. One with full-width doors to the western elevation so it can be opened up to any lawn that is left. Maybe there are enough skills within the community that the labour content of such an extension can be effectively gratis?"

“It's fantastic that you're taking this initiative to gather feedback and improve your bar! Here are a few observations and suggestions based on the responses:

“Seating and Layout: Clearly, seating comfort and layout are significant concerns. People want more comfortable chairs, a less "cliquey" arrangement, and potentially more flexible use of space.”

“Noise and Acoustics: The noise levels and hard surfaces are also a recurring issue. Addressing this could significantly improve the overall experience.”

“Welcoming Atmosphere: While many appreciate the bar's community feel, some find it daunting, particularly when busy or with established groups present. Consider ways to make the space feel more inclusive to newcomers.”

“Events and Activities: There's interest in more events and activities, potentially including options for families and different age groups.”

“Exterior and Garden: The garden and exterior are seen as underutilized. Improving these areas could enhance the bar's appeal.”

“Accessibility: It's great that you're mindful of wheelchair access. Ensure any changes maintain or improve accessibility for all.”

“It seems like you have a lot of enthusiastic and engaged patrons with great ideas! Good luck with implementing the changes and making your bar even better.”