Mobile craft bar business preparing to bring Christmas cheer to the region

A mobile craft drinks business is raising the bar in event hospitality less than six months after pouring its first drink.

Mobile craft ale and spirits specialist Craftbar has already delivered major drinks functions for Sky and Investec in Leeds and is gearing up for the festive period, with a busy schedule of Christmas parties and corporate functions looming large.

With its flexible mobile bars, the Craftbar team is able to access all environments ranging from high level rooftops and mezzanines to foyers and company car parks to deliver memorable events.

Its combination of themed artisan bars including gin, margarita slush, cocktails, rum and mocktails together with innovative liquid canapes and affagato bar (gelato and espresso ‘drowned’ in spirits) have been creating a stir on the corporate scene and at wedding functions. The Farsley-based business is set to turnover more than £75,000 since launching in the summer.

The brainchild of John Dixon and Sam Pullan, Craftbar is the sister company of specialist event caterers, Bears Pantry, and industrial design bistro, Bear’s Den, both founded by entrepreneur and chef Pullan.

Exclusive partnerships have been established with independent suppliers including Hooting Owl Distillery, an artisan distiller of craft Gin together with a number of local craft breweries including Northern Monk.

Dixon said: “We’ve had a flying start with Craftbar and hit the ground running after delivering tailored bar experiences for numerous corporate clients.

“For businesses of any size looking to give staff and clients an unforgettable drinking experience especially for the Christmas period, we offer flexibility and flair to provide a memorable experience for all guests. The feedback we’ve received during our first six months of operation has been very positive. We’re really looking forward to our first Christmas trading period.”

Pullan added: “This time of year lots of companies are planning staff and client parties, often settling for identikit hotel packages and standard service.

“With Craftbar we’re trying to do something different and physically bring the party to the client, whether it’s an in-house function or at a specialist venue. Alongside pop-up bars and all the kit required, we also provide knowledgeable bar staff who know their craft ales as well as being skilled gin and cocktail pourers.”