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THE BAR CART
How pleasing to know that a piece of furniture exists in the world whose sole purpose is the dispensing of drink. And not just any old drink – the bar cart (the piece of furniture formerly known as the drinks trolley) is not the place for a pint of lager or a mug of tea. It is meant for glamorous beverages, particularly cocktails that require shaking and pouring into frosted glasses and serving with a bowl of olives or nuts.
This time of year, with its potential for socialising, is when this piece of furniture comes into its own. It has the ability to bring decadence to any occasion, even if it’s just you and your other half on the sofa, watching the Strictly final and treating yourselves to a mojito. When a group of friends are gathered, the sight of a bar cart janglingwith bottles, glasses and accessories trundling across the room is guaranteed to raise a cheer. It is the bringer of joy and glamour in equal measure, promising a delicious state of merriment and geniality.
Fortunately, a recent revival has meant that we are now spoilt for
“The sight of a bar cart trundling across a room is guranteed to raise a cheer”
choice when it comes to the bar cart. This could be attributed to the Mad Men effect and a desire to replicate the soigné (and perpetually intoxicated) style of Don Draper, and a love for all things mid-century. However, although the bar cart was wheeled out throughout the Sixties and Seventies, when drinks and dinner parties were quite the thing, its origins date back to the late 1930s and 1940s. Many of today’s bar carts replicate the style of that era, with gold and brass finishes, over-sized casters and Art Deco styling. These sophisticated versions elevate it beyond any Abigail’s Party- type associations where it came bearing a bottle of Blue Nun and a dish of Twiglets.
The additional benefit of a bar cart is that it is mobile and can be moved to where it is required most. Think of it as a portable side table rather than just a cocktail station, and it can provide an extra surface to put things on, and not necessarily things drink-related. One or two houseplants and a light work will look as good as shelf of spirits and a cocktail shaker. Though the potential for merriment will be much diminished.