Helen Peacocke looks at a cocktail business with a difference

There’s something delightfully decadent about sipping cocktails to get the party started at this time of the year.

Cocktails are created from any beverage that contains two or more ingredients of which at least one contains alcohol.

What do we ask of a cocktail?

* It must whet the appetite, but never dull it
* Stimulate the mind and please the senses
* It must be pleasing to the palate
* Be pleasing to the eye and contain enough alcohol to make your toes tingle

Pamela and Simon Badham are convinced that the cocktails they are creating meet all these criteria plus a little bit more.

This enterprising couple run Bar on a Bike, which they launched in August. As Simon is also founder and director of Enzo Events he designs experimental marketing concepts for a living and was therefore well qualified to come up with the perfect design for their bike, which converts itself into a bar once they reach their destination. Not only does their bike have cooling units built in, it is fully equipped with a working sink, a fridge and a freezer as well of lots of space to store all the bottles and glasses.

Obtaining a licence for special events, to add that sparkle to a party, was not a problem. Each event manager for Bar on a Bike holds their own individual licence. In order to achieve this they have undertaken an alcohol handling course so that they are qualified to serve alcohol responsibly and, more importantly, legally. In addition to this, the venue in which they will be serving alcohol must also have a licence.

The cocktails they serve range from the classic Martini, which is definitely shaken but not stirred, to the Blue Blazer which must rate as the world’s most spectacular cocktail as, when made properly, it calls for two glasses and blazing Scotch which is poured from one glass to another to create a continual stream of fire.

The classic Tequila Sunrise and White Lady also rate as popular drinks too as does the Zombie, which challenges the cocktail mixer to get as many different rums as possible into one drink. I tend to make it with the amazing Caribbean Rum named The Duppy Share, so named because legend has it that during the dead of night, when the distiller’s backs are turned, the duppies — said to be rum-loving spirits — swoop between the islands stealing the best share of the rum left ageing in oak barrels. It is also superb when added to a hot winter punch and served with caramelised pineapple and cinnamon — a great drink to offer adult carol singers and to serve with mince pies.

Pamela says they have loads of suggested drinks they can serve, including non-alcoholic. Actually the bar can serve virtually any type of drink — all clients have to do is let them know their preferences in advance. Bespoke cocktails, particularly those paIred with jelly beans, are particularly popular. Jelly beans are one ingredient that marks out Bar on a Bike from other companies that serve cocktails.

Pamela says they pair a jelly bean with each of the drinks they serve from their drinks menu. “The jelly bean idea came as one of those inspired flashes we all get from time to time,” Pamela explained. “My mum came to visit us for a week in London and picked up some of these delicious beans made by Jelly Belly, from duty free. While telling her about our new business venture, I suddenly thought, ‘what if we paired jelly beans with each of our drinks?’” and so the idea was born.

So when you order one of their cocktails you will probably encounter a brightly coloured jelly bean at the bottom of the glass.

The couple admit their venture is in its early stages and that it will continue to evolve. They also admit it’s hard work, but are having lots of fun. They are excited about what the future holds for Bar on a Bike.

To contact, email pam@baronabike.com or call 07825 567808.