The Soho House Effect: the Revival of the Drinks Trolley

Once deemed old fashioned, drinks trolleys and bar carts have officially made a comeback. Their renaissance has been helped considerably by their appearance in the Soho House group hotels “ placing a drinks trolley in individual rooms is a nice touch and who doesn't like having their own personal cocktail station?!

And it™s not just Soho House that have been getting in on the action. The ever-so-chic hotel The Laslett, in Notting Hill, has a pretty well-stocked drinks trolley proudly displayed too. Not only this, but you can find drinks trolleys of all shapes and sizes at elite venues such as the Bulgari Hotel, The Connaught, Duke™s Bar and the infamous Negroni Trolley at Mayfair's Cartizze. They are a practical and flexible addition to a boutique hotel/bar environment, enhanced by their spectacular stylishness and the elegant use of materials such as brass, chrome, glass and marble. It is not difficult to see why they are such a popular accessory to imbibing.

But don't think for one moment that drinks trolleys solely belong in hotel environs! Take a quick perusal of Pinterest to see for yourself that they are the latest home accessory for pretty much any interior. In fact, in 2016 Pinterest reported that searches for bar cart/trolley jumped by 40% in just six months and wayfair.co.uk sales of trolleys were up 173 per cent in the year by June 2016. And the trend continues into 2017, as we have seen articles published by the Evening Standard, Luxury Lifestyle Magazine, Gourmet Traveller Magazine and The Drinks Business that all report on the unrelenting coolness™ of drinks trolleys and where you can find one of your own. That much, we too, can help with.

Drinks Trolleys and Nicholas Wells Antiques

However, at Nicholas Wells Antiques we are not interested in the modern reproductions, the forgotten heroes of drink trolley design are what fascinates us. The original trend setters of the early twentieth century, whose attention to detail was impeccable “ even the smallest components, such as the screws, were custom made by hand, are the real stars. The early bar carts by French design houses Maison Jansen, Bagues and the slightly later Aldo Tura, with his famous lacquered velum trolleys and cocktail tables, exhibit a quality of construction and finish that remain exquisite examples of design today. Modern pieces are too often void of any ornament, joined with clumsy welding and sprayed with gold colour paints “ they simply will not stand the test of time. Our motto, courtesy of Vivienne Westwood, is ˜Buy Less, Choose well™.

Pair of Maison Jansen Polished Brass Bar Carts French Mid Century Polished Brass Circular Bar Cart Drinks Trolley Rare Design Round Drinks Trolley : French Mid Century Polished Brass Circular Bar Cart Soho House Mid-Century Polished Brass Drinks Trolley Mid Century American Bell Cocktail Shaker Asprey Bell Shaped Cocktail Shaker

Curating the perfect drinks trolley is an exciting way to elevate your hosting game and make your home feel effortlessly chic. Here™s a guide to crafting a sensational cocktail station:

1. Choose the Right Drinks Trolley

• Style Matters: Pick a trolley that complements your decor, whether it™s a vintage brass cart, a sleek modern design, or a rustic wooden shelf on wheels.
• Functionality: Look for one with multiple tiers, sturdy wheels, and enough surface space for all your essentials.

2. Stock Your Base Spirits

• Include a well-rounded selection of spirits to cater to different tastes:
  • Vodka: Versatile for many cocktails.
  • Gin: A staple for martinis and tonics.
  • Whiskey: For the old-fashioned or Manhattan enthusiasts.
  • Rum: Great for mojitos and daiquiris.
  • Tequila/Mezcal: Essential for margaritas or palomas.
  • Liqueurs: Add a few like Cointreau, vermouth, or amaretto to diversify your offerings.

3. Add Mixers & Garnishes

• Mixers:
  • Tonic water
  • Club soda
  • Ginger beer
  • Cola and citrus sodas
  • Fruit juices (cranberry, orange, pineapple)
• Garnishes:
  • Fresh fruits: Lemons, limes, oranges, berries.
  • Herbs: Mint, basil, rosemary.
  • Extras: Olives, cocktail onions, and edible flowers.

4. Essential Bar Tools

• Cocktail shaker
• Jigger (for measuring)
• Bar spoon
• Strainer
• Muddler
• Citrus press or juicer
• Ice bucket and tongs

5. Bar Cart Glassware Collection

• Ensure you have the right glassware for each drink type:
  • Rocks glasses
  • Highball glasses
  • Coupe or martini glasses
  • Wine glasses
  • Shot glasses

6. Show Off the cocktail trolley with Presentation

• Use decanters for whiskey, bourbon, or brandy.
• Add a serving tray for grouping smaller items.
• Display colorful bottles and keep the labels visible.
• Incorporate decor elements like a small vase of flowers, a stack of chic cocktail books, or mood lighting with a candle.

7. Drinks Trolley Seasonal Touches

• Customise your trolley to reflect the season:
  • Winter: Warm spices, mulled wine kits, festive glassware.
  • Summer: Tropical mixers, colorful paper straws, light spirits.

8. Stay Organised

• Keep items you use most frequently on the top shelf.
• Store lesser-used tools and overflow items on the lower levels.

9. Signature Cocktail Feature

• Print or frame the recipe for your signature cocktail to encourage guests to try it.
• Alternatively, pre-batch your signature drink in a stylish pitcher for easy serving.

10. Maintenance

• Wipe down your trolley regularly to keep it clean.
• Replenish supplies and fresh garnishes before hosting.

Your drinks trolley is now not just a functional piece but a stylish centre piece for your home. Cheers to the perfect drinks trolley! Ÿœ