The community survey results are in!

The Wrabness Shop and Bar has always been more than just a place to buy groceries or enjoy a drink; it's a hub for our community, a place to connect with friends and neighbours. This was especially evident during the challenges during the pandemic when the Shop remained open to provide essential services and a sense of normality.

To ensure we continue to fulfill this vital role, we conducted a community-wide survey in June 2021. We asked for your feedback on a wide range of topics, including the Shop's role in supporting vulnerable residents, the types of events and activities you'd like to see at the Bar, and how we can make both spaces more welcoming and inclusive.

This report shares the key findings from the survey and outlines how we plan to use your feedback to improve and grow. Thank you for your continued support!

Nog, Chair of the Board

What age brackets do you have in your household?



Who filled in the survey?


Disability that prevents you from visiting the shop/bar?


I use the shop...


I use the bar...


Shop Spend (per week)


Bar Spend (per week)


The shop opens 7 days a week. What time of day would you most likely use the shop during the week?


What time of day would you most likely use the shop during the weekends?


On scale of 1-5 how important is the shop?
(1 not important, 5 very important)


On scale of 1-5 how important is the bar?
(1 not important, 5 very important)


Would you or anyone in your family be interested in volunteering to support our Wrabness community venture? Full training is provided.


Are you a Member?


Looking at the future of the shop what services would you be most likely to use?


Looking at the future of the shop what services would you be most likely to use?


Is there anything else you would like to say about either the shop or the bar that would help it better serve your needs and the needs of the community?

“It's a marvellous shop and bar and well done all that serve in them”

“Nothing major I would change about either - only that I feel we need to make more noise about who and what we are.”

“Opening hours over lunch time would be good especially with the new build next to village hall starting imminently and for increasing numbers of walkers.“

“I believe the shop already has an above average range of items.”

“The tea machine makes terrible tea. Isn't there an alternative?”

“No - it's a fabulous amenity and it's made such a difference to being part of the Wrabness community - I've already said all the nice things about the shop above.”

“We are so grateful it's there - a great focal point and provider. A real asset to the village. I think the managers strike a nice balance of goods. Thanks so much to all the volunteers and managers for being there for us.“

“So much appreciated - Keep up the great service!It was so exciting when the bar and cafe opened up as it was great to wander up from the shore for a drink and ice cream as a special thing to do.”

“My only criticism has been that we couldn't always get a whole meals worth of food, or if we could, there was little choice.”

“We love Wrabness community shop and hope it stays there for ever and ever!! Thank you for all you do and keeping it going through this horrible pandemic.”

“If it were to put local artists and event local community hand made goods.”

”Be a representative for nature and the like due to the beauty of the surrounding area.”

”The shop to meet the magic of the local surroundingsAs above - i think it is currently very good anywayI feel that when we are back to 'normal' the bar internally needs a bit of a make-over/re-design.”

“There's far too much storage and things for sale - where there could be, instead, bench-style seating (in addition to normal chairs) around the walls/corners (with cushions for comfort) so that more people can fit in. Means furniture can't be moved about as much too, so encourages people to socially mix rather than sitting in the same groups. I have found people find that alienating to new people/visitors when they come to the village.”

“No - they are doing a great job already! Staff are very friendly and helpful.”

“If the bar opening times could be published on Facebook that would be good. Also, open for teas, coffee and cake during the day for walkers/cyclists.”

“Difficult to answer without giving offence. The shop is fantastic , the volunteers are fantastic but what puts me off just popping in for something is it takes an age to get served when the bacon is cooking and I discover I have run out of eggs. Jumping up and down waiving a fiver doesn’t seem to work so it is quick to jump in the car and pop down to Morrisons. “

“Fully understand that the emphasis is on "Community" and that works but the shop has to be commercial and it is loosing revenue because younger more mobile customers are less patient. Not a complaint more an observation.”

“Keep up the good work.”

“To get the local community to realise it is their shop - not just to buy things in but to feel they own it. It’s a lovely shop. We live in Bradfield, but make daily use of it when staying at our Beach Hut.”

“You should always allow dogs and organise some more music sessions.”

“As seasonal user it’s perfect. Reopening the inside of the shop and cafe would be good.”

“Love the shop. Thanks to you all!”

“The thing that has stopped me using the cafe (except for coffee mornings) is not being able to bring dog in. If I was going to walk up I would have a dog with me!”

“You provide an excellent service and the stock is very varied.”

“Keep going, you are wonderful! Keep up the draught beer; keep stocking Aspalls cider.”

“You are all doing a great job.“

“We are rarely at Wrabness. When we are we have a car and can go to Parkeston or Manningtree for bigger shops. The shop is useful for small shortages and local information. I really value it. Thank you!”

“Run some events? Music evening. Obviously a return to sensible opening hours.”

“There also needs to be a chair in the shop for customers who may need to sit down. It would be good to be welcomed inside again.”

“Always get service with a smile. Maybe when restrictions allow an open evening/welcome to the bar?”

“Great Job! It is a valuable asset.”

“Its brilliant! Such a good community activity. I like chatting to the volunteers. All such friendly people very clear communication about opening hours as its difficult to rely on otherwise.”

“The bar feels a bit exclusive. Feel uncomfortable on my own.”

“Open all day rather than mornings only. Allow punters back inside (with masks) to be able to browse. Return to occasional charity events (Macmillan cakes etc.) and occasional contributory lunch/snacks on Bank Holidays.”

“The bar could do with a heater like the one above the shop door. I have felt a bit discriminated against for working at times, because I cannot physically go to the shop when it is open if I'm at work.”

“Especially during lock down, I learned to rely on other shops locally (Wix, Bradfield) where the hours were more regular and I could go into the shop (2 or 3 people at a time allowed in). I learned to stock up on extra stuff at the supermarket so I didn't run out. This has meant I have hardly used the shop in the past year.”

“I was a loyal customer and volunteer for many years, and would often pop to the shop to try and spend a few quid, but I feel now the shop's atmosphere has changed. It seems to me it is welcoming for a few people, not everyone, and this disappoints me.”

“Keep on keeping on. I would just like to say how much I value the shop and bar, and how very much I appreciate all those who make it possible THANK YOU!”

“We are new to area and would like the opportunity to see people and pick up tips and info. About local area etc.I think the shop and bar are great. Keep up the good work - they are the hub of the village.”

“Keep doing what you do. It's brilliant and I am always hugely grateful!!! I Going forward I will start to order more in advance... bread and fruit and veg. I just forget!”

“It has been absolutely wonderful over the last 18 months especially a complete life line for the village having it reopen in the afternoons would be good.”

“The shop is a brilliant facility for the village and the hut owners.”