A NEW bar will be opening its door in Wokingham as the owner plans to bring his business closer to home.

38-year-old James Mattingley and his farther Brian own Sit & Sip Tasting Room and will be opening their second branch in the courtyard of the Peach Place development.

The bar will serve craft beers from local brewers as well as artisan spirits created by small family businesses. Tasting Boards with meats and cheeses supplied locally by Berkshire producers will also be sold.

James lived in Earley for 10 years and also attended Reading Blue Coat School in Sonning.

Mr Mattingley now lives in Henley but is excited to open a branch in Wokingham

He said: “I’m a beer drinker, I love a traditional beer but my wife isn’t the biggest fan of pubs and unfortunately I don’t particularly like cocktail bars, so we struggled to find somewhere we both liked to visit and enjoy a drink together.

“I started to wonder is there a gap in the UK market for somewhere that has a cool, funky, and relaxing environment that’s attractive to both men and women, where I could develop this tasting concept I had seen elsewhere.”

Mr Mattingley wanted to close the gap in the market and produce something unique.

His inspiration came from family holidays in the South of France and South Africa, which is where he discovered the concept of tasting experiences.

He added: “I wanted to bring in produce that tastes great and is non-mainstream, drinks that you won’t get anywhere else.”

The business was founded after James quit his job working for a health and finesses branch so he could focus on his new idea.

The first branch opened in Chichester and James believes it has been successful.

James said: “I took the leap and quit my corporate job. We didn’t know if this would actually work. It’s been really successful and really well received.

“Now we’re bringing it to Wokingham and I really hope people will enjoy it. It’s something new for the town. “

The bar will also offer a takeaway option and will use local suppliers including Siren Craft Brew, which is based in Finchampstead.

An exact opening date has not yet been announced but its hoped to open in May.

For more information, visit: www.sitandsip.co.uk.