Sometimes the best business ideas come from bringing together different passions.

For Lewis Hunter, that meant combining creativity, craftsmanship and a love of hospitality to create Manes Mixology, a premium mobile cocktail bar serving weddings, corporate events and private celebrations across the East Midlands. With support from The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity, Lewis has turned an ambitious idea into a growing business that’s already attracting repeat bookings and earning the highest possible Food Hygiene Rating.

But the journey didn’t begin with cocktails.

After completing a degree and Master’s in Fine Art, Lewis began exhibiting his work, only to realise the industry wasn’t the right fit.

“I became quite disenchanted with it,” he explains. “It wasn’t really about the skill as much as it was about selling yourself. I realised it just wasn’t me.”

Stepping away from a long-held ambition wasn’t easy, but it opened the door to new opportunities.

Alongside university, Lewis had worked in hospitality, developing a love for creating memorable customer experiences. After graduating, he joined a bespoke kitchen manufacturer, where he progressed into management and learnt valuable skills in planning, efficiency and leadership.

Rather than seeing these experiences as separate, Lewis realised they could all come together. His artistic background would shape the brand, his practical skills would help him build the business, and his hospitality experience would ensure exceptional customer service.

“That made me realise there might be a way to bring together all the things I enjoy.”

With that, the idea for Manes Mixology was born.

Lewis bought a horse trailer and stripped it back to its frame before rebuilding it into a bespoke mobile cocktail bar.

It was a major project, with much of the work completed by Lewis himself.

“Every job I was doing, I was having to learn from scratch.”

As rewarding as it was, the renovation was taking time, until a colleague recommended The Sir Thomas White Loan Charity.

His colleague’s brother had previously received a grant to launch a mobile pizza business, and Lewis decided to explore whether the Charity could help him too.

After completing a business start-up course through Loughborough College, Lewis felt confident tackling the application.

“The guidance video was really helpful, and because I’d recently completed a business course, the financial planning was still fresh in my mind.”

Lewis found both the application and interview process far more supportive than he expected.

He even completed his interview remotely while working in Los Angeles, waking at four o’clock in the morning to join the panel.

“It wasn’t a grilling. Everyone was really friendly. I never felt intimidated.”

The loan enabled Lewis to complete the specialist conversion of the trailer and officially launch Manes Mixology.

The business quickly secured its first paid booking, providing a drinks reception for Davidsons Homes at a corporate event in Rothley.

“It went really well,” says Lewis. “They’ve already booked us again.”

Another milestone soon followed when the business received the highest possible 5 Food Hygiene Rating following its first inspection by the Food Standards Agency – an important achievement for any new hospitality business.

For Lewis, the Charity’s support hasn’t stopped with the funding.

“It’s more than just the loan,” he says. “They’ve supported the little successes we’ve had, shared them on social media, invited us to events and genuinely want us to succeed.”

“I feel connected with the Charity. It feels like they’re invested in our journey.”

Lewis would encourage anyone serious about starting a business to consider applying.

“The application process shows that you’re serious about your business. If you’re committed, I don’t think you’ll find a better opportunity.”

From aspiring artist to business owner, Lewis’ journey shows how different experiences can come together to create something unique.

For more information on Manes Mixology, you can visit their website or Facebook / Instagram channels.

To find out more about our Interest-Free Business Loans, available up to £20,000, please click here