SB Voices: The return of the drinks trolley

Long associated with the glamorous images of Hollywood, drinks trolleys are making a comeback, with an upsurge of bars and restaurants tapping into the trend. Nicola Carruthers takes a look at the latest wave of bar carts hitting the capital.

One Aldwych’s Old Fashioned cocktail trolley offers three variations on the classic drink

An essential ingredient of the cocktail hour in a bygone era, drinks trolleys are back with a vengeance, particularly in London where high street stores, restaurants and high-end bars are wheeling them out in a plethora of styles this year.

Mobile drinks trolleys are part of a bigger mid-century interiors trend. With television series’ such as the 60s-inspired Mad Men, being partly responsible for their revival and leaving people aching for the glamour of the era.

And naturally it comes with its benefits, you can enjoy the luxury of the bar coming to you – rather than having to battle a six-deep bar queue – with drinks trolleys providing speedy results and the ability to mix your drink just the way you like it. Not to mention the kind of five-star service usually reserved for grand hotels.

London bars are making their mark with their own versions of the boozy trolley. One Aldwych recently unveiled the world’s first Old Fashioned cocktail trolley, offering three types of the classic cocktails, and even BYOC (Bring Your Own Cocktail) have tapped into the trend with their own iteration of the classic bar cart.

While, cocktail institutions such as Duke’s Bar have long been serving their Martinis in front of guests on its legendary Duke’s trolley.

Even spirits brands are getting on board, with The Macallan teaming up with The Shard’s Oblix restaurant to unveil a cheese and whisky pairing via a trolley made from a Macallan Sherry butt.

There’s a certain magic to watching your drinks being made right before your eyes, so it’s no surprise the trolley is back and here to stay.