A GILSLAND woman has started her own unique ‘Tipsy Tuk’ business, after converting a vintage tuk tuk to create a mobile bar for events across Cumbria.
22-year-old Victoria Mitchell decided to start the business after looking for something creative to do in her spare time.
Talking about the business Victoria said: “The Tipsy Tuk is a vintage Piaggio Ape tuk tuk which has been restored and converted into a mobile bar.
“We specialise in cocktails on tap and use a variety of handmade syrups and homegrown garnishes which can be dispensed by faucets on the side of the tuk.
"The bar can be hired for both public and private events - weddings, agricultural shows, hen parties and corporate events.
“I decided to start this business as I was looking for something creative to occupy my spare time.
"I’ve always lived and worked in pubs and love the atmosphere of a celebration and the opportunity it provides to meet new people.
"I wanted to offer something quirky and fun to the area as tap trucks are hugely popular in America and I haven’t seen many around here."
Victoria admits her family were initially shocked when she arrived at home with the ‘three wheeled green scooter’, but has said the business is already generating success across the county.
She said: “The reaction from people since starting has been a mix of intrigue and surprise.
"Understandably, my family were pretty shocked when I rocked up in a three-wheeled green scooter which looked like it belonged on a golf course, but they have been supportive and played a huge role in the startup of the business.
“The public have also been very supportive and we’re starting to get some future bookings in the diary.”
The businesswoman already has big plans for the future, hoping to possibly offer cocktail masterclasses for clients eventually.
She said: “My plan for the future is to collaborate more with wedding planners and venues. The tuk tuk’s a talking point and it’s really easy to decorate it to suit different themes.
"I think it works great for welcome drinks or a happy hour where couples want to treat their guests.
“I would like to offer an experience more than just a bar, where clients can get pictures in the tuk tuk and have some fun with pouring drinks, maybe offer cocktail masterclasses and interactive games.”
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