Local Faces: James & Nicola Grant
James & Nicola Grant opened No2 in 2010. The inspiration for the shop came from a background of working in leading hotels and restaurants. Having seen an opportunity whilst commuting to work, James made an enquiry and several months later the shop reopened as No2 Pound Street. Nicola and James live in Wendover and have three children: twin sons and a daughter and also Cheddar their dog. The shop’s focus is on small production fine wines and farmhouse cheese along with an award winning selection of local British charcuterie, breads, chutneys, oils and anything else you would consider a good delicatessen to stock.
In the last few weeks No2 has worked tirelessly to accommodate deliveries for those self isolating and vulnerable. The introduction of very well priced local fruit and vegetable boxes and eggs was a decision made to help support Wendover and local villages. Importantly, James and Nicola want to help support local producers, and the fruiterer Derek Piggott who supplies the fruit and veg and has lost a lot of business because many restaurants are currently closed. They hope that by providing high quality fruit and veg at incredible prices this will help protect Derek’s business. No2 now offers a free delivery service within 10 miles of the shop. None of the above could have been achieved without its amazing staff.
James is a World Cheese Judge and also along with a small handful of people currently studying to become a master of cheese. He travels the length and breadth of the UK to find, make and bring back super cheeses. Again this is done to support and promote those passionate cheese farmers who have cheese that is expertly and lovingly made. They too need support at this time.
Nicola holds the whole operation together along with top wine man Mike. Her background is in hospitality marketing. With Nicola’s direction and forward thinking No2 won the UKs Best New Cheese shop in 2011 as well as Deli of the year and many other accolades. No2 were set to launch “Feast on The Manor” this month but have had to postpone. The event will be a bi-monthly opportunity for the community to get together and enjoy artisan food and drink on the market square. There will be hot food stalls, bars, kids entertainment and live music. It will be similar to the French evening markets where the whole family/community can get together to enjoy amazing food, drink and music. Seating will be provided for all in a covered communal area. All profit that No2 makes from the event will be given to a local charity. The first event will be raising funds for Rennie Grove Hospice.
Over the years No2 has raised thousands of pounds for local causes and will also be raising for MacMillan Cancer Support at their main food and drink market festivals “Summer On The Manor” 25/07 and “Christmas On The Manor” 28/11. Again, all profits raised will be given to this amazing charity. The dates may of course have to be rescheduled as a result of COVID-19.
No2 hopes to be able to open its doors properly again soon. It is a real gastronomic experience where you are able to taste some of the greatest wines and cheeses and enjoy a well made coffee with a slice of cake. During COVID-19, customers can still go to the shop door and buy essentials as needed.