Cocktail lovers across Chorley and Wigan are in a fizz over mum's door-to-door delivery plan

A mum has come up with a gin-credible plan to diversify the work of a cocktail bar during the lockdown.
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Like many small business workers Jen Hunter, 37, worried how she would be able to pay the bills as it became clear that pubs and bars would be among the last venues to reopen after the pandemic.

But the former model was inspired to start delivering her famous cocktails, from the Latch micro cocktail venue, across Chorley and Wigan, after an initial idea on social media got locals in a fizz.

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As the weather remained sunny and the post went viral, demand for Jen’s intoxicating creations soared.

Jen Hunter is all smiles as she returns to her favourite job - making cocktailsJen Hunter is all smiles as she returns to her favourite job - making cocktails
Jen Hunter is all smiles as she returns to her favourite job - making cocktails

She has made and delivered as many as 86 cocktails in one day, with the help of her best friend Mark Horne, who runs The Imperial in Chorley.

The duo regularly brings smiles to households that have been forced to celebrate occasions such as birthdays, baby showers and anniversaries at home during the pandemic.

A pretend lockdown cocktail party for Jen’s daughters Kairah, 15, and Shaya, nine, triggered the idea.

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She says: “We initially got closed before a lot of other businesses, and at first we used the time to do maintenance or clean the bar, but as time was going on, we realised we would be closed a lot longer. We knew it would be hard to maintain social distancing in such a small venue.”

The cocktails are prepared at the Latch in ChorleyThe cocktails are prepared at the Latch in Chorley
The cocktails are prepared at the Latch in Chorley

When you’re used to being out and about and busy, you’re at a loss what to do.

“I’d seen a few people online in Manchester and London delivering things like brandy, and while we were at home I said I would do a cocktail party for my girls.

“I suddenly thought if I could do this for them, I could do it for others too.

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My regulars have stayed in touch on social media so I put it out online to see what people thought - the response blew me away.

Jen and Mark’s biggest order so far was on VE Day when a customer in Buckshaw Village ordered 23 cocktails.

She adds: “This started as a little bit of an epiphany and it’s kept me sane!”