TIPPLE on Tow - the Prosecco, Pimms and gin bar on wheels in a vintage caravan - is finally ready to be unveiled to the public.
Simon Hoskin, 28, and Becky Turner, 30, will begin trading during August bank holiday weekend at the Myland Summer Fete.
The Colchester pair, who recently got engaged, celebrated a bubbling few months with an intimate launch party for their new venture.
Simon, who is originally from Halstead, said: “We’re excited to get out there and start trading, and the fete is perfect for our first event.
“We’ll have a fully stocked bar with everyone’s favourite gin cocktails, Prosecco and ice cold beer. To celebrate the launch we’ll be running a Selfie and Share competition with a chance to win a case of our house Prosecco.
“After the fete we’re attending two wedding fairs - one in September at Hylands House, and one at the Brentwood Centre in February.
“We’re keen to hit the ground running and attend a couple of Christmas markets also.
“By the time next summer is here, Becky and I are hoping to have a long list of events to attend, including our wedding. But, of course, we won’t be staffing the bar.”
Converting it has been both a challenge and a learning curve, Simon said, as they juggled DIY with business plans each alongside their busy careers.
They also just narrowly missed the summer peak season.
Simon said: “We aren’t too concerned because our main target audience is going to be weddings and private events.
“A lot of people tend to book their event suppliers over the winter period in readiness for the following summer.
“The heatwave couldn’t have come at a better time though as we’ve had amazing weather every weekend meaning we could crack on with the conversion.”
So as these lovebirds grapple with being both romantic and business partners, what is their advice to other budding entrepreneurs with a wacky idea?
He said: “Go for it - you have nothing to lose.
“No idea is a bad idea and even if it doesn’t work in the long-run, the experience you gain from trying is invaluable.
“Alan Sugar started out selling car aerials and cigarette lighters from the back of a van and now he’s a very successful businessman so stick with it, work hard and eventually, it will come right.”
READ MORE: TIPPLE ON TOW - THE CARAVAN SERVING PROSECCO, PIMS AND GIN
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