Marcus Mineba has turned the daydream of many a Kiwi bloke into reality with the completion of his project of the past year and a-half - a fold-out trailer bar dubbed "the TowBar".
The Arthurs Point builder, originally from the Netherlands, got the spark of inspiration while working as a joiner in Dunedin, building a much simpler design drawn up with a friend back in Europe.
"I was doing an aluminium joinery job at the time and it wasn't the most creative or challenging job, so I needed something to keep the brain going," Mr Mineba said.
"I thought it was a cool idea and I didn't have any projects going on, so I ... found a trailer for $100 and got started ... "
The result is a fully equipped bar featuring speakers, sun umbrella, mini-fridge, lights, beer tap, cooling system and internal capacity for two 50-litre kegs, all folding up into standard trailer size.
Starting by stripping back the trailer, and making a few vital repairs, he used recycled materials to build up the TowBar in his spare time, aided by his partner, Helen O'Leary.
Her design background saw the project take on a "Kiwiana" feel, with vintage coasters depicting New Zealand scenery and animals sunk into the surface of the bar.
Mr Mineba created his own glasses from thick, cut-off wine and beer bottles, and used the tops of the bottles to make a bar lighting feature.
He estimated the cost of the materials at more than $2000.
With the bar now functional, Mr Mineba hopes to hire it out for birthdays and corporate events and "anyone wanting to have a bit of fun with it".
"It would be great to have if you've got an awesome back yard, or on the waterfront on one of the many beaches along the lake - almost anywhere."
A liquor licence was not needed as the trailer would not be supplied with kegs or have a barman serving.
