aCcEsS ALl AReAs SECTOR FOCUS
All bar none
WORDS: CHANTELLE DIETZ
FROM rustic craft beer containers to futuristic
tech-enabled units, it seems the possibilities are
endless within the mobile bar sector. Providers have
seen a huge rise in requests for bespoke, custom-
fi nishes, with clients keener than ever to ensure
every element of an event has been tailored to meet
their individual specifi cations.
“Once upon a time we may have delivered
an illuminated bar and everyone would have
been very happy with that,” says David Hendry,
managing director of Bash Bars. “Now, more
customers are requesting not just graphics, but a
fi nish in the bar that makes it looks part of the
venue and totally at home at the event.”
Andy McDonald, project manager at Simply
Bars, believes the move towards making event
more experiential has been a driving force
behind clients seeking customised creations.
“Th e importance of getting across a strong brand
image to guests has led our clients to expect full
36 FEBRUARY 2018
Access talks to four mobile bar providers to fi nd out
about the latest developments within the sector
customisation of colour and fi nish as standard,”
he says. As a result, the company has taken on
some signifi cant custom builds for clients. Its
converted shipping container bars will be hitting
the festival circuit this summer.
Guests have also come to expect a more
premium and immersive experience. “Bars have
become destinations within festivals or parties
and no longer primarily function as just a place
to grab a drink,” says Dan Gardner, events
manager, Arribar!. Its DIY drink stations such
as ‘Pimp Your Prosecco’ have proved popular
as they give guests the opportunity to mix and
customise their own drink.
Festival bar specialist Peppermint is currently
developing themed rum, craft gin and sparkling
wine bars to run alongside its
mobile wine bar, Wondering
Wine, this year. “It’s
an exciting time – our
insights teams are
seeing some very
interesting trends at
macro level – it will be really interesting to see
if they break into the mainstream,” says director
and founder Adam Hempenstall.
Adding tech-enabled features such as
controllable LED panels is another way clients
can look to customise their bars. Simply Bars
is incorporating light change panels with its
existing stock for 2018 to off er customers more
variety. Meanwhile, Bash Bars is considering
adding moving images into its units. “Our
clients, especially in the drinks sector, could
have promotional messages running in the bar
as people are waiting for their drinks,” explains
Hendry.
With providers continually being encouraged
to innovate, we are sure to see some clever
creations this year. AAA
ACCESSAA.CO.UK