'Pour your own' at bar

A NIGHT out in Ballycastle may never be the same again, as self-service drinking is coming to the town.

Patrons at the Central Wine Bar will soon be able to avoid waiting to be served at the bar, and will instead be able to pour their own drink at the table.

Two new tables will be fitted with their own pumps, with room for eight people at each, serving Guinness or Carlsberg. And as long as you’ve left a kitty or a card behind the bar, the drink will keep on flowing.

The idea is a first for bars on the North Coast, and is part of a scheme being rolled out nationally by drinks company Guinness.

The owner of the Central Wine Bar, Phillip McHenry, says that the idea will be aimed at those watching sports events and having company parties.

He explained: “A lot of people like the idea of being able to pour their own pints. It will be popular with people watching live sport. They won’t have to leave their table to get their drinks so they won’t miss anything.”

However those wanting other drinks will not go thirsty and will also still be catered for.

Gemma McHenry from the Ballycastle bar said: “Any ladies at the table who are not drinking pints can still be served by the bar staff, or come to the bar as usual.”

Customers at the two ‘special’ tables will pay the same price per pint as they would normally. They will also have the opportunity to show-off their bar skills and the art of pouring a pint of the black stuff.

The Central Wine Bar has been closed for renovation work, but will re-open in early March. A final date is yet to be confirmed.