THE OWNER of a mobile cocktail business has built a bar in his garden during the lockdown and had been hosting virtual cocktail masterclasses for the public.

Jon Sebbar, founder of Cocktails & Games, a business specialising in cocktail parties for hen parties and corporate events, completed the construction of his garden bar in Branksome recently and has started hosting tutorials through his business’ Facebook page.

The business was launched two years ago but has been hit hard by major regional and local events being cancelled or postponed due the virus outbreak.

Jon said: “Most of the booking that we have had for this year have been cancelled or postponed so I have been thinking of other ways we can continue to entertain people and keep people connected during the lockdown

“A lot of my customers in the past have been NHS staff and many of them have been upset that their big events have been cancelled

“I built the frame for the bar in my garden a while ago so I thought this would be as better time as any to finish it off so that I can host cocktail masterclasses online to try to lift the mood and bring entertainment to people’s Saturday evenings while on lockdown.”

With little publicity before his first masterclass last week, Jon had 40 families from across Dorset and as far afield as Majorca tuning in to his Facebook Live virtual lesson.

In the hour-long live videos, participants will learn how to make two cocktails using utensils and ingredients found in their own home.

Between making their cocktails, Jon will also host a quiz while people can enjoy their drinks.

He added: “Instead of using bar equipment like shakers and stuff, we want people to use thing they already have so they don’t have to leave their homes and shop for extra items.

“Like this week, instead of a shaker, people will be using a large pasta jar or something similar to make their drinks.

“I want to help keep families tuning in so I will start making mocktails for children to make so my classes can cater for the whole family.

“Also people who are on their own isolating can try something new and have a laugh and joke with people, because in the previous classes there was a bit of banter going around.”

Jon has also been promoting the NHS Charities Together initiative and provide a link for people to donate to help healthcare workers and volunteers risking their lives to help others.

People willing to take part in the Cocktail & Quiz masterclasses are asked to tune into the stream on Saturdays at 6.50pm ready to start at 7pm.

To find out more, visit the Cocktails & Games Facebook page.