10 Reasons to be a Rugby Supporter
The Autumn Internationals are fast approaching and soon to be kicking off in Cardiff, London and across the globe. So what better time to become a rugby supporter. Whilst we know you won't need much persuading, we've produced 10 reasons why you should.
1. The Songs
No matter who you support, whether it is Wales, England, Ireland or South Africa, there will be a suitably naff and yet an ever so charming song which will be sung at the top of each supporters voice for the entire duration of the game. Any of these inconic tunes are ideal when you're already 4 pints deep.
2. Nationalism
There are plenty of sports which ignite a level of nationalism within its supporters and fans, but none do so as much as rugby. When the British Isles meet on the rugby pitch, you will never have seen such nationalism spread through each of the supporters. Scotland may well have chosen to remain as part of England and the UK, but you wouldn't know it from their fans.
3. Points
We've all watched football games which have finished 1-0, or even 0-0. Rugby creates some of the most nail-biting games; even the biggest leads can be caught up in no time.
4. The Players
The players obviously make the game. They know what they have got to do, and they get on and do it. Their whole attitude is wonderfully refreshing.
5. Atmosphere
There really is nothing better than stepping into the electric atmosphere of a rugby game, particularly when the game is held in some of the most iconic venues in the world. Whilst the Autumn Internationals will be played in world-class venues, other games played in smaller venues are just as exciting.
6. The Passion
Passion is certainly one of the defining characteristics of rugby; both players and supporters alike live and breathe the game. Be part of it.
7. Camaraderie
Team camaraderie for both players and supporters is something you cannot replace. If you support England, but live in South Africa, you'll be embraced as one of England's own as soon as you get together - there is no discrimination and it is forever inclusive. Solidarity in camaraderie.
8. The Respect
Players have the upmost respect for each other, as well as the referee. Whilst the rivalry is heated, no-one oversteps the line. This transfers over to the supporters too, there is banter and rivalry, but each supporter respects the competition and embraces the healthy rivalry.
9. The Tackles
Let's face it, this is what sets rugby apart from football, and many other sports. Whilst the tackles may make you wince, you can't look away.
10. The Drink
A rugby game would not be the same without the copious amount drunk in the name of the sport. Rugby supporters are well renowned for their ability to drink. Whilst some supporters can sink 10 pints no problem, it is not all about drinking yourself silly - the social aspects which come with drinking during a game can't be beaten.
Here at Pop Up Bar Hire, we're excited to be inviting the Autumn Internationals back to Cardiff for another year. In need of a relief bar? Contact us today, we have everything you might need for the Autumn Internationals.
Author: Georgie Dransfield
5 must try drinks in Cardiff this September
We can all get stuck in our ways with our choices of drinks, why go for something different when you know you'll enjoy a classic G&T no matter where you are. However, we have decided to mix things up a little and have devised a shortlist of 5 new drinks that we believe you should try this September, all of which are in Cardiff- right on our doorstep!
Rhubarb and Custard
Where: The Flora, Cathays
What: Absolut vodka, Adovocaat, rhubarb syrup, fresh lemon and vanilla syrup.
Why: A drink to take you back to your childhood. The combination of the adovocaat and rhurbarb syrup means The Flora has nailed the flavours of this popular sweet. Whilst this is a sweet drink, the vodka and lemon add the perfect tang so not to make it too sickly. Seriously good retro cocktail.
The Italian Dragon
Where: The Dead Carnary, Cardiff
What: Campari Cask Tales, Coconut infused Beefeater gin, Byrrh, lemon and egg white.
Why: A real cocktail to celebrate Joe Calzaghe. Combining bitters with lighter, coconutty flavours and egg white makes this cocktail deliciously unique. It is a whirlwind combination of flavours which is only fitting for The Italian Dragon.
Stay Puft
Where: Tiny Rebel, Cardiff
What: Marshmallow porter, 5.2%.
Why: The perfect sweet treat for an autumnal evening. This porter has all the roasty qualities of a classic dark ale, but the marshmallow flavours give a real sweetness. Whilst it is sweet, the malts and hops make sure to keep the earthy notes of a dark ale. This drink is out to get your tastebuds.
Stars and Stripes
Where: The Cambrian Tap, Cardiff
What: An American wheat beer, 5.0%.
Why: Refreshingly and deliciously drinkable. Having been brewed with Californian Ale yeast and wheat malt, this beer is a hazy golden colour and has a crisp bitterness. Brains Craft Brewery describes Stars and Stripes to have 'aromas of grapefruit and tropical fruit combined with citrus flavours.' Light, crisp and bitter.
Teaches of Peaches
Where: Lab 22, Cardiff
What: Portobello Road Gin, Aperol, Cocchi Americano, White Peach Blossom Cordial, Orange Bitters, Soda.
Why: Think Aperol Spritz meets Liptons Iced Tea meets Sex on the beach. Lab 22 never do disappoint with their cocktail mixology and flavours, and Teaches of Peaches is no different. The flavours of this cocktail are elegant and delicate whilst delightfully peachy.
We may have given you some great new drinks to try, but everyone has their drink of choice. Here at Pop Up Bar Hire, we can help you tailor your bar to your own personal preferences for your event, party or wedding. Contact us today to discuss details further.
Author: Georgie Dransfield
Alcohol Advent Calendars for 2018
Is it even the festive season if you're not trying to find any excuse to celebrate with a drink? With the office parties, work-do's, and catching up with all your favourite friends, being merry definitely goes hand in hand with Christmas time.
So, what better way to get into the festive spirit(s), than with a boozey advent calendar? We wouldn't recommend opening in the morning - so save until after work for the ultimate treat, because the kids shouldn't get all the fun!
Here are our favourites that'll definitely put the 'Merry' into 'Merry Christmas':
One for the gin lover is Sainsbury's first Christmas advent calendar, and it looks absolutely beautiful. Expect premium gin brands like Hendricks, Opihr and Tanqueray, as well as flavoured options such as Sipsmith in lemon drizzle flavour, (yes please!)
Sainsbury's, £60 – available in store now.
More on the pricey side - but definitely worth it - is this festive number from John Lewis. This boozey calendar contains 24 bottles of prosecco and cava to get through from a range of delicious brands. What's more – there's a 20cl Lanson Champagne to glugg on Christmas Eve, too. That's a winner in our books!
John Lewis, £125.
Christmas isn't all about mulled wine, so spare a thought for the beer lovers. For the hoppy fans, we've included this awesome beer advent calendar with a range of offerings from IPA to stout, alongside the big names in the craft beer Brewdog and Magic Rock. Cheers to that!
Laithwaite's, £49.99.
Finally, for those who really want to warm their cockles this Christmas, why not pick up the world's best-selling whisky Advent calendar? Enjoy a 30m; dram every day in the run-up with some of the world's most exciting distilleries, including Glenfarclas, Nikka, and Hudson.
Masters Of Malt, £149.94
Which one would you choose? Remember, for all your Christmas event needs, we're here to help. Contact us here for more information.
Recipe for the best mulled wine; nailed.
With the big day literally around the corner, we’re already thinking about all the festive flavours that Christmas will be bringing us. From mince pies, to pigs in blankets, there really is something about those warming ingredients during winter time that makes us all feel a little bit fuzzy - right?
Mulled wine, or - Christmas in a glass - as we like to call it, can be a bit of a marmite situation. Some people love the winter spice overload, and others - not so keen. However, below we’ve sourced a recipe that even the biggest of scrooge's will love this winter.
Ingredients;
- 2 clementines
- 1 lemon
- 1 lime
- 200 g caster sugar
- 6 whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 fresh bay leaves
- 1 whole nutmeg , for grating
- 1 vanilla pod
- 2 bottles Chianti or other Italian red wine
- 2 star anise
Method;
- Peel large sections of peel from the clementines, lemon and lime.
- Put the sugar in a large saucepan over a medium heat, add the pieces of peel and squeeze in the clementine juice.
- Add the cloves, cinnamon stick, bay leaves and about 10 to 12 gratings of nutmeg. Halve the vanilla pod lengthways and add to the pan, then stir in just enough red wine to cover the sugar.
- Let this simmer until the sugar has completely dissolved into the red wine, then bring to the boil. Keep on a rolling boil for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until you’ve got a beautiful thick syrup. The reason I’m doing this first is to create a wonderful flavour base by really getting the sugar and spices to infuse and blend well with the wine. It’s important to make a syrup base first because it needs to be quite hot, and if you do this with both bottles of wine in there you’ll burn off the alcohol.
- When your syrup is ready, turn the heat down to low and add your star anise and the rest of the wine. Gently heat the wine and after around 5 minutes, when it’s warm and delicious, ladle it into heatproof glasses and serve.
So there we have it; Christmas in a glass, and one of the ultimate ways to stay cosy this winter - enjoy!
Note; if you’re planning on hiring a pop up bar in the new year, why not let us bring the party to you? At Pop-Up Bar Hire, we can help stock, organize, and run your bar so that you can sit back and enjoy the party. Contact us here for more information.
Places to get lost
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
Lewis Howes
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
Elevate Your Expectations
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
Alienum phaedrum torquatos nec eu, vis detraxit periculis ex, nihil expetendis in mei. Mei an pericula euripidis, hinc partem ei est. Eos ei nisl graecis, vix aperiri consequat an. Eius lorem tincidunt vix at, vel pertinax sensibus id, error epicurei mea et. Mea facilisis urbanitas moderatius id. Vis ei rationibus definiebas, eu qui purto zril.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, te ridens gloriatur temporibus qui, per enim veritus probatus ad. Quo eu etiam exerci dolore, usu ne omnes referrentur. Ex eam diceret denique, ut legimus similique vix, te equidem apeirian definitionem eos. Ei movet elitr mea. Vis legendos conceptam ad. Fabulas vituperata sadipscing ei quo.
15 thoughts you have when queuing for a drink
We’ve all been there, at an event and dying for a bev, having to stand in the what seems like never-ending sea of people six bodies deep all waiting to quench their thirsts. Here are 15 thoughts you will have definitely had while queuing in the warm, moist line.
- Why is it that everyone wants a drink when I do? They can’t all be after a drink…
- Urm, why is the floor sticky right under my feet, and purple?!
- Excuse me, pushing me forward is not, I repeat, not, going to get you a drink any quicker.
- I have every limb possible digging into me right now.
- Well look at that drinks list, what a choice! I won’t stress, I’ve got ages to decide.
- I wish I had some snacks right about now, Wotsits would go down a treat.
- I also wish I had a drink to sip on while I’m waiting.
- If anyone else walks past me holding their drink in the air and tips it on me again, I will go mad.
- I am going to make eye contact with that bartender who is going super fast.
- Dammit, he’s moved over to that section after 10 minutes of grafting, better change bartenders.
- It’s my turn, time to panic, what the hell do I even want?
- Ice? Diet or regular? Pint or half? Honey, just gimme a drink!
- I really need a straw and she’s already serving someone else, everyone will think I’m trying to order more drinks or steal from the bar.
- My friend has just offered to buy me another drink, best day ever!
- Oh wait, this means I’m gonna have to buy the next round, hot damn.
Has reading this made you reminisce over all the times you’ve had to que? Fear not! Pop Up Bar Hire can provide you with a fully licensed bar for ANY event, be it weddings, corporate, festivals or even an event in your own back garden!
If you can think of an upcoming event that may need a fab pop up bar, get in touch!
The essential guide to throwing the ultimate cocktail party
Cocktails! We all love at LEAST one of them, they are the perfect drinks to have at any party for this reason alone. But how does one throw the ultimate cocktail party and what do they need? Fear not, read on and find out how you can throw the cocktail party event of the year.
The liquor
Undeniably the most important member of the cocktail party, the liquor is the bread and butter. It should be spread out evenly across the bar so each member of staff can reach it. For a party of 40, you will need white rum, tequila, gin, bourbon, and around three bottles of vodka- unless you know for sure your guests can drink the standard party guests under the bar, then maybe you should get some more. If you want to try some even more flamboyant cocktails, get different flavoured vodkas!
The bar
Whats a cocktail party without a bar? Well, it’s like a mojito with no rum, pointless. You’ll need a good, secure setup that isn’t going to wobble or fall down. Somewhere that’s high enough so people can’t reach over and grab the bottles (Pop Up Bar Hire can provide a bar exactly like this!).
The mixers
Stock up with three to four bottles of juices (we recommend orange, cranberry, pineapple and tomato) and sodas (cola, lemonade, tonic water, ginger beer and soda water). If you’ve got these, you’ll be set for the day.
The tools
To put it bluntly, without tools, you won’t be able to make a cocktail. You will need a cocktail shaker (that’s a given), cocktail spoon, a jigger (that one is for measuring) and a muddler (the one for crushing bits and bobs).
The people
Staff who stand behind the bar can make all the difference. Depending on the vibe you wish to go with, staff can be full of serenity and poise for a wedding or cheeky and fun at a work event, whichever you choose, Pop Up Bar Hire always ensure they can make each cocktail to a high standard.
The garnishes
When it comes to cocktails, you really need everything to make it, especially the garnishes. You will need the family of three citrus fruits- lemons, limes and oranges, mint, bitter, sugar, and salt and pepper. They’re what makes the cocktails look fancy and give them that party-feel.
At Pop Up Bar Hire, we can provide ALL of these essentials, yes, from the bar to the box of mint. Even though we are based in Cardiff, we can get our mobile bar to any event, anywhere, anytime. Give us a bell here.
Photo credit: Pexels
What your go-to autumn drink says about you
Autumn is approaching (try 22nd of September- so close!) and we’re thinking about all the tasty beverages we are going to consume during the autumnal months. When someone says ‘autumn drinks’, I bet the first one that pops into your head is the pumpkin spice latte, and while that is a popular choice for the Starbs devotees, there are plenty of other options out there.
You can tell a lot about a person by the drink they choose, so why not deconstruct the faves and find out what your favourite autumn drink says about your personality...
- Hot chocolate
You’re a sucker for familiarity, you like the little (yet very tasty) things in life, and we have to admit, there’s nothing wrong with that. You’re warm, kind and are always there for people when you’re needed.
- Pumpkin spice lattes
Probably a fashionista, and probably an avid follower of every trend going, you are an image of style and everyone wants to be your friend. You live life to its full potential and don’t care what people say if you get a trend wrong.
- Apple cider
Yet again, another one for tradition, but you’re also fresh, fun and a little cheeky at times. Most people love you but you get the odd few who turn their noses up at the thought of ya.
- Spiced apple cider
Oh look, another one for -wait- spiced? Now you’re exciting, but like apple cider, you’re also fresh, fun and a little cheeky at times. You’ve got everything going for you and more, that is only when the weather gets cold and everyone wants to be around you.
- The Southern Lady
Our first cocktail of the list! This means you’re sweet sweet sweet. People love to love you even though you can be sassy af. Sassy but sweet is what you are.
- Pumpkin keg
Oh look at you, you must be adventurous and not afraid of taking the time to do something. You’re the storyteller of the group and make all the important decisions. Basically a key member of the group, even if others don’t realise.
- Cinnamon water
You’re a love of the luxurious things. Even if you can’t afford them and you know it, you have to have them. However, you’ve got the drive, so in the end, you’ll get them hassle free. Just chilax and everything will fall into place for you.