Bars on wheels have arrived
Hi Portabar people,
Over the past few months, we've been working hard on fresh features such as our bars on wheels. In combination with our signature flight cases, these rolling bases hand Portabar the title of "easiest bar ever to assemble".
Wherever you happen to be – transporting Portabar from room to room (without dismantling) or from continent to continent – our system will adjust in kind. Portabar wheels are even designed to adapt to any size or shape of bar; so moving's never been simpler.
Elsewhere, we've been lighting up Rome with mirrored panelling for Open Bar A Domicilio, making waves with copper bartops for Silent Pool Gin (to match their copper stills) and bringing newfound power to the events team at Royal Northern College of Music – tasked with running a mammoth 450 functions a year.
Read on for all our latest news, product updates and inspo for your next Portabar project...
A sharp multitasker for Silent Pool Gin
The team at Silent Pool Gin approached us earlier this year to create a bar that would reflect their artisan brand. Founded in 2013 on the Duke of Northumberland’s Albury Estate, their distillery specialises in handcrafted spirits made on the banks of the Surrey's mystical Silent Pool.
"We needed a smart and robust bar that we could easily move to large-scale events, and that would survive packing and repacking," explains Managing Director, Ian McCulloch. The resulting 1x3x1 Portabar with branded fronts and copper bartops (to mirror the distillery's copper stills) looks "professional and sharp".
"The branding has come up very well and our brand ambassadors who use it (former high-end bartenders) think it’s great too," Ian says. "It’s enabled us to transform our bar area in one of the still houses into something that befits an ultra-premium brand. And yet we still have the flexibility of altering our available entertainment footprint, as demand requires."
A "brilliant" game-changer for RNCM
The events team at Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM) describes their Portabar as "a game-changer" – elevating their ability to fit different spaces across the 450 functions hosted by the conservatoire every year.
"I was immediately captivated by Portabar’s innovative approach to creating versatile, dynamic bars," says Food & Beverage Manager, Jose Martinez. "The idea of a modular, portable bar opened up a world of possibilities for our events, making them more engaging and unique. We've already had really positive feedback regarding the look and functionality of our Portabar."
RNCM uses Portabar to ensure optimum service during intense operational periods. For example, it acts as a pop-up bar for interval drinks in the foyer during sold-out concerts. It can also effortlessly transition to supporting drinks receptions for high-profile events elsewhere in the venue.
"The design of Portabar is nothing short of brilliant," says Jose. "I love how it seamlessly blends style with functionality. Its sleek, modern aesthetic makes it a stunning centrepiece for any event, while its thoughtful design ensures it can be easily configured to fit different spaces. The materials used are not only visually appealing but also durable, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. It's really easy to assemble, too."
Hurrah for bars with wheels
Hold the front page because Portabars of any shape and size can now be deployed on wheels. Introduced by popular demand, the rolling base means our system can be easily moved from one room to the next in the same venue, without having to dismantle anything.
British heritage brand Holland & Holland are one of the first clients to take advantage of our new feature. Thanks to their mobile Portabar on wheels – which can be either a large corner bar or two smaller bars, for more intimate events – they're able to quickly activate the design across their fabulous array of hospitality spaces.
Alongside our flight cases – enabling Portabar to be seamlessly packed away, moved and stored – the addition of wheels makes us the easiest bar to deploy literally anywhere in the world.
Whether you're moving countries or simply taking Portabar (with corners or linear configurations) from one flat-surface position to the next, we keep things hassle-free.
Spotted: Portabar out and about
Last but not least, Portabar has been putting on a show with a series of scene-stealing appearances across Europe.
This includes Rome-based events company Open Bar A Domicilio, who've been using their mirror panels and LED lighting to great effect for evening soirees at incredible locations around the Italian capital.
Over in Northern Ireland, the Aperol Spritz bar – activated in partnership with Coca -Cola HBC – speaks volumes to the impact of our magnetic branding panels.
With standout messaging and designs that can be swapped and styled in a matter of moments, they make brand activations a breeze. And to spectacular effect, as this vibrant set-up shows.
You'll now find Portabar at the magnificent Camden Place; one-time home of spies, aristocrats and the French Court in exile (including Napoleon lll).
Today it houses Chislehurst Golf Club , who wanted a bar that they could deploy quickly from room to room and out on the course. Portabar provided, with a design that blends perfectly with its historic setting.