North East pair turn mobile library into portable cocktail bar

Two North East entrepreneurs have found a novel new use for a former mobile library - as a portable cocktail bar on wheels.

Although libraries around the country are closing due to cutbacks, this is the only one to get a new lease of life as a party hub for cocktail making masterclasses at various venues and landmarks around the region.

Formerly owned by Surrey Council, it was snapped up by Chris Cable and David Cook of The Cocktail Project for £14,400 and they’ve spent a further £20,000 up-cycling the interior into a plush venue that can host parties for up to 15.

Bookshelves have been ripped out and replaced with plush black leather seating, subtle lighting and cameras while signs saying ‘Silence Please’ have been consigned to the skip.

The pair, who already have a purpose-built 1.4m bar on wheels which fits neatly in the back of a Mercedes van, will take the revamped mobile library to hen parties, weddings, team-building days, corporate events and birthdays. They aim to bring their theatrical mixing skills direct to people’s homes, workplaces, marquees or iconic landmarks, and have already been hired by a major computer games company and for a business fair at Kingston Park.

David, 24, a marketing graduate from Newcastle said: “With the job market being as it is, it seemed easier to create our own jobs rather than wait to be picked up by a big firm. People’s reactions have been brilliant and it always causes a stir, especially when you surprise the birthday girl or guy with it. A lot of them have said they wish they’d done it for their birthdays rather than just having a meal.”

Bob Senior, the entrepreneur behind Utopian Leisure, which owns Fat Buddha Asian Bar & Restaurant, is backing backing the project. He said: “I had been trawling through the internet looking for something suitable to convert. It was originally going to be a static bar that would be parked within Fat Buddha’s new al fresco dining area but then I thought, why can’t it be mobile?.”

To make themselves stand out from the crowd, Chris and David will also be offering layered alcoholic lollies as well as dramatic fire and ice cocktail packages using NiteOwl smoking cocktail technology. The patented system injects dry ice into the bottom of a special glass, which creates a smoking bubbling effect when the cocktail is poured in. Both Alan Shearer and the cast of Geordie Shore have had great fun trying it out at Fat Buddha.

They’ve also caught the attention of TV producers and have been filmed for BBC3 reality show Shop Life as well as a Channel 5 documentary following a hen party from Edinburgh around Newcastle.

The duo are also hosting Young Witches & Wizards Potions Parties for kids. In the guise of Harry Potter professors Severus and Gilderoy, they’ll be wowing the youngsters with smoking concoctions, goblets of fire, bubbling potions, magical balloon modelling and tasty treats from their dastardly lair on wheels. “Parents are always looking for something new and different for kids parties and this certainly beats pass the parcel,” said Chris. “Plus there are loads of great photo opportunities, which the kids will love sharing on Facebook.”

If the business is successful, the pair plan to roll out the formula with franchises across the country and already have their sights set on Middlesbrough, Sunderland, York, Leeds and Manchester.

Said Bob Senior: “I’ve known Chris and David for several years and they’re a great example to other young entrepreneurs who want to start their own business. It’s a great concept and they’ve got so much ambition and energy that I’m sure their business will be a big success.”