A fledgling Fermanagh entrepreneur has put his celebrity friend to good use by having him promote his new bar on wheels.
Rosslea man Johnny McGeough has launched the latest bar on wheels; a trend that seems to be taking off across the UK according to various social media postings.
In a bid to attract as much attention as possible for the pub he has named ‘The Hidden Naggin’, Johnny convinced his pal, country music star Nathan Carter, to visit and to write about it in his Sunday newspaper column.
Johnny commented: “Nathan Carter is a good friend of mine and called in for a drink. He even did the Father Ted dance when he stepped inside!”
“Unfortunately, he doesn’t come with The Hidden Naggin,” he quipped.
Writing in his column, Nathan Carter described the venture as “the perfect site for an intimate get together.”
A keen country music fan and festival goer, Johnny works as a Travel Officer for Concern Worldwide in Dublin.
He bought an old caravan from some contacts at a music festival and spent six months working with his father Seamus and mother Kathleen to perfect a traditional style Irish Cottage pub. The venue is available for hire and contains a bar/lounge with sink, fridge and two taps for draught, Guinness and Lager which he can supply on request. Guests must bring their own drinks but can expect to be treated to a round of Tayto crisp sandwiches and tea.
Johnny commented: “At one festival I saw a mobile bar serving Prosecco. I thought something similar with my own touch could be a good idea. I love all things Irish and thought: ‘Why not create a traditional Irish Cottage Bar on wheels? Who doesn’t want their own pub at their doorstep with no designated driver or closing hours?”
The old Irish cottage theme includes an open hearth fire with turf stacked beside an Irish dresser and a turf scented candle.
Describing it as “a real labour of love”, Johnny and his parents are “proud of the final result.”
The feedback on social media has been positive and bookings have included weddings, christenings, a stag party and The Hidden Naggin will make its debut at the The Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Festival in September.