Meet the team
The Bottle House wouldn't be the same without our team of amazing staff steering the ship. From pouring a beer to advising on the perfect wine, or tapping away behind the scenes on the hunt for the perfect beer, we're here to serve you!
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Jonathan Smith
AKA Big J, Manager & Co Owner. I am an ex headteacher - suited to this new role some might say. Supposedly I retired 2 years ago, but here I am! I'm loud, excited, passionate and open... even before I have a beer in my hand!
Favourite style of beer: Has to be New England IPA, hazy, 6.5 - 8%
Favourite beer ever: Degrees by Verdant
What do you love to drink: Red wine, the Beck Ink that we have as a regular is one of my faves
What's your connection to the LB community: I've lived in LB for 12+ years now. I love the vibe of town and the range of small independent businesses that are springing up. I work with several groups in the area such as Men's Walk & Talk, Cars & Coffee as well as working closely with other small businesses.
What do you love about working here: Everything... honestly, I love it all! It's hard work, but so rewarding. If I had to choose one thing, it would be the people. I love building relationships and making new connections. Whether it's customers, staff or suppliers.
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Jay Bar
I'm a film fanatic and comic book lover. Been a craft beer enthusiast for 10 years and basically a big kid!
Favourite style of beer: Give me a good stuout anyday.
Favourite beer ever: Brickfield Brown by Five Points Brewery
What do you love to drink: Always have to try the sours, but the cask aged rum is the perfect spirit for me.
What's your connection to the LB community: I am new to Leighton Buzzard!
What do you love about working here: It's like working in a sweetshop for adults!
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Joe Bidlake-Hull
Hi, I'm Joe. I found a passion for craft beer after joining TBH. I have learnt so much since then and I have expanded my knowledge of alcoholic beverages in general.
Favourite beer style: Lager/Weisbier
Favourite beer ever: Native Kellerbier by Mad Squirrel
What do you love to drink: Any Utopian lager, but I will try anything!
What's your connection to the LB community: I have lived here almost all my life and I run in the local running club.
What do you love about working at TBH: I love working here because it is not just a bar, It's a community where everyone is welcome.
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Grainne McEntee
AKA DR G, the Nuclear option. I have dipped in and out of the pub industry most of my life. I had my first Guinness back home in Ireland and since moving to the UK over 20 years ago, I have graduated into the delights of Craft beer and the joys of the microbrewery!
Partial to a sour, admirer on an Imperial Stout.
Did Dry January once...vowed never to do so again. -
Kristina Ewing
AKA Kita, Deputy Manager. I have worked here since March 2025, but a customer since the very beginning. This shop is an absolute little gem, working here isn't really work for me! I love chatting with everyone who comes in, about beers, wines, spirits, holiday plans, cooking tips... genuinely the best people ever!
Favourites? An almost impossible question... but if I have to say then they include: 6.5% hazy IPA, Azvex Mana smoothie sour, Landlocked Tangerine Rum with Ginger Beer and Buckingham Distillery Spiced Apple... neat of course!
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Victoria Ford
AKA Lana. I was a resident before I was a staff member - I live above the shop! I tend to cover events and most Sundays, but you will also see me working on a Saturday evening from time to time. The bar is effectively my front room so I pop down for my fave hazy IPA's, usually Verdant, at the weekend. I love The Bottle House and our great team. It truly is a wonderful slice of the community, such a warm and friendly place, and I am so happy to be a part of it.
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Alex
AKA Camino Al - Another long term customer, turned occasional cover staff. The Bottle House, for me, is more than somewhere to find great beer - part community hub, part spot to wind down and definitely a place to make and maintain friendships. As more of a beer agnostic, I find myself constantly looking at the evolving offering at The Bottle House; ranging from the darks of Porters and Stouts, through to the sours and fruit beers. I Love an IPA and the amazing German selection, especially at Oktoberfest!