Rutherfords 2: Former Kelso pub owners launch mobile bar

Debbie and Simon Rutherford opened Rutherfords in Kelso in 2015.

But last year the couple found themselves searching for another adventure.

"We're proud of what we achieved at Rutherfords but we feel we've taken it as far as we can," said Debbie.

After coming across a mobile bar called Rum Baby Rum, the Rutherfords made a 1,000-mile round trip to Cornwall to collect it.

'A beautiful bar'

Debbie, 54, told the Border Telegraph that the feature copper bar is in fact larger than their former pub.

"The bar is copper and it's bigger than the pub," she said. "Simon polished it and it took two weeks."

On returning to the Borders, Debbie and Simon and their team of helpers got to work turning Rum Baby Rum into Rutherfords 2.

"It's had a complete repaint," said Debbie. "My mum did the gold fringing, and my friend made our bar sign to put the neons in.

"When it's closed it doesn't look like anything, but when it's open it becomes this beautiful bar."

While decorating, the owners took inspiration from a design from their former pub, but gave it a burlesque twist.

Debbie added: "Our new logo – Ruthie – was designed by Nicola Cairns, inspired by our gold 'R' in the pub."

The burlesque style pin-up design features the business's signature 'R' and has been made into a lightbox.

Ruthie and Rutherfords 2 will likely be spotted at events around the Borders as coronavirus restrictions ease.

Under the current Level 1 rules, the only events the bar will be able to cater for will be weddings, funerals and christenings as life events are able to host 100 guests at receptions.

Debbie said: "It will be so nice to be part of someone's happy day and be part of the experience."

Although Debbie and Simon will have to wait before they can be hired for private parties, they are already looking forward to those occasions.

"We'll be anywhere people want to party", Debbie said, "and who doesn't want that right now?"

The Rutherfords already know they will be taking their new venue to certain events, including this year's Great British Food Festival in Dalkeith.

Rutherfords 2 is kitted out with cold beer on tap, gin poured through a specialist microscope tap and a range of spirits.

The mobile bar was previously owned by the Dead Man's Fingers Rum company.