"The Vowel" Cocktail & Drinks Bar
- transformed from a Victorian mangle washing machine -
View looking down through glass of the cocktail bar, showing the top of the original Victorian washing machine
Side view of the original Victorian washing machine barrel, showing the cogs and gears
View looking across the cocktail bar top, with shaped 15mm glass top, and the washing machine barrel beneath
This is a very unique and special piece, which has been converted from a cast iron and wooden Victorian washing machine with integrated mangle, dating from the 1860's/1870's. When we first saw the original item, we could immediately imagine its conversion to a cocktail or drinks bar. All of the renovation work has been undertaken in a very sensitive way, to maintain the essence of the original item, whilst making it a practical drinks bar for todays' modern living. This was an extremely exciting project, and we are thrilled with the end result.
- The "Vowel" washing machines were first introduced in the 1860's - an advert showing the original range can be seen in the slideshow below
- This is a rare item to find with all the components, especially the original washing barrel, which is in such excellent condition
- The mangle rollers have been removed to make space for drinks storage above the barrel - added in reclaimed wood to match the original
- Glasses can be stored on a reclaimed wooden shelf, which has been added above the drinks storage
- We have integrated a specially cut shaped piece of 15mm glass, to add a modern and practical element to the drinks bar
- The addition of the glass enables you to look though it to see the top of the original washing barrel
- The washing barrel has been adapted, with the front removed, so that it is now a storage space for bottles or glasses
- Touches of hand manufactured brass have been added to the washing barrel to create a more special piece
- All the original gears, wheels and cogs have been renovated, treated and painted, but locked in place to prevent any movement
- The drinks bar sits on original castors, so it can be wheeled short distances on hard surfaces
- We have added an extra special element to the drinks bar, by integrating a high quality LED lighting system
- The LED lighting system was made by a specialist company in the UK, and features a handmade brass switch to dim the lights to the required brightness
- There are 6 lights in total - 2 above the glass shelf, 2 within the washing barrel, and 1 shining down on each of the sides, to highlight the original cast iron frame, cogs and wheels
- Dimensions (approx)
- Total Height: 1500mm (150cm)
- Total Width: 1120mm (112cm) - including the wheel which protrudes on one side
- Width (top shelf): 1045mm (104.5cm)
- Width (glass at the front): 895mm (89.5cm)
- Depth: 750mm (75cm)
- Price: £4000
- Delivery - please contact us for a quotation
- Item No. xxxx