Finding the perfect venue that reflects you and your occasion is one of the first and most important steps in planning your special event. Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club is the perfect mix of tranquil countryside and elegant glamour, the ideal backdrop for an exclusive wedding in the Walled Garden or an extravagant celebration in Poles Hall. And the incredible team at Hanbury Manor are on hand to make sure your celebration is one that both you and your guests will always remember!
We caught up with Cassie Middleton, Memory Maker at Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club, to find out how to set up the perfect bubbly bar and why it's a fantastic talking point for any occasion! Nothing says celebrate like the pop, fizz and clink of free-flowing bubbles and the bubbly bar symbolises exactly that.
Set Up
At Hanbury Manor the bubbly bar is set up as a feature at the main bar - this makes it easy for guests to help themselves and they can take their time selecting their favourite combinations. Cassie elaborates; "Seeing rows of pre-poured flutes lined up at the bar looks and feels extremely luxurious especially when accompanied by various juices and garnishes for guests to create their own personal cocktail."
Additions
Having a selection of juices and fruit garnishes enables guests to mix and match their own drink to their personal tastes – keeping everyone happy. They can choose from traditional additions such as Chambord for a ‘Kir Royale' or orange juice to create a ‘Buck's Fizz' whilst the more daring of guests can branch out and try peach and passionfruit Bellini's.
Seasonal additions can be a great way to ensure your bubbly bar is unique to you. Spring and summer themed sparkling cocktails such as ‘Ros-ecco' and ‘French 47' provide a fantastic fresh twist. Whilst festive, winter ideas could include pomegranate, clementine, or cranberries… and maybe even a hint of sparkle with edible glitter!
Customisation
Cassie shares; "The most exciting part of a bubbly bar is helping couples create a selection that is totally unique to them. Personalised cocktail recipe cards displayed at the bar are a fun way to guide your guests' choices and tempt them to try new cocktail combinations. Designing cocktails with names that are based on your favourite holiday destination, a song, or an inside joke that no one else will understand will get your guests talking and ensure that no bubbly bar is ever the same."
You could also choose juices and fruits that match with your colour scheme - watch your guests enjoy a sweet pink strawberry Bellini that perfectly matches your table centrepieces or floral options such as rose that match your bouquet.
Glasses
"Traditional flutes are provided as part of the bubbly bar, but some guests like to try something slightly more modern or perfectly suited to their theme," explains Cassie. Beautiful glasses can be hired privately in various styles to match your colour palette, or opt for a more whimsical ‘shabby chic' look with mismatched jam jars.
It doesn't matter how flamboyant or traditional you'd like to go with your flavours, colours or glasses, the bubbly bar is a fantastic addition to any celebration. Cassie recommends trying your flavour combinations before you decide on your final selection of ingredients, and what better way to enjoy your event planning than a DIY cocktail tasting session?!
Memory Makers like Cassie are on hand to make sure your special occasion is perfect in every way, so don't be afraid to ask them for advice, inspiration, or examples of previous bubbly bars so that you can start gathering ideas!