It’s safe to say, when it comes to ‘lockdown projects’, The Champagne Fire Truck is definitely unique and ready to set a few parties on fire! While the events industry, like the rest of the world, ground to a halt due to COVID-19, we ploughed ahead with our ‘little’ project – restoring and converting a vintage 1972 British Leyland AEC fire engine into a Champagne bar.

The Fire Truck itself forms the eye catching backdrop to the serving bar, which is framed by a gazebo structure formed out of ladders and sheltered by a stunning red canopy. Authentic French Oak riddling racks from a saw mill in the heart of Champagne create the intriguing bar front, while the top of the water tank is one of many repurposed elements of the original fire engine – becoming the top of the bar.

The original red water pump valves which the hoses would’ve previously locked into, now serve as iPad holders for the till points. Vintage breathing apparatus and yellow ex fire brigade helmets adorn the bar, with festoon lights providing a warm, ambient glow. In the Fire Truck’s side lockers – once home to hose reels and kit, redundant fire extinguishers with a bottle-shaped aperture display our finest vintages, while bar fridges keep the Champagne at the perfect serving temperature.

The controls for the blue lights, sirens and bell have been moved from the cab, into a locker, so that they can be operated from behind the bar and create those spontaneous moments of joviality. The bell has also been moved – from the roof of the Fire Truck to the smaller, middle locker and the pump throttle lever has been repurposed to activate it – ‘ring for Champagne’ has taken on a whole new meaning!

Since we’ve had the fire engine back on the road – the looks, smiles, thumbs up and waves of appreciation are amazing – it certainly catches the attention of passers-by. We recently took it to Bicester Heritage’s Drive-In cinema – initially giving the event’s team a heart attack as they thought the emergency services were on site(!) until we confirmed it was indeed a vintage fire engine and we were just out for a jolly!

The Champagne Fire Truck is both authentic and totally unique, providing guests with plenty of fun and stylish Instagramable opportunities.