For many limers 2020 was the beginning of the end for all-inclusive fetes when the covid19 pandemic hit after the Carnival season.
Despite hopes that Carnival would return in 2022, the chances seem slim, according to the Prime Minister who, during the commissioning of the Chatham Government Primary School in August, was sceptical that TT would be prepared to host the "greatest show on Earth" next year.
But while large-scale parties have essentially disappeared, smaller, more economical backyard limes have grown in popularity allowing three friends to capitalise and improve on an age-old staple of TT culture.
Sunday Newsday spoke with entrepreneurs Amrit Permanand, Kevon Felix and Miles McLean on their mobile bar – D Wooden Counter.
While the idea of having a portable bar isn't new Permanand, 26, says the novelty behind D Wooden Counter is in its simplicity.
"Rather than you going out to the bars, we bring the bar to you.
"But it's not just a matter of you getting drinks, it's an atmosphere we aim to provide our clients with to give their event that extra pop."
Permanand has worked as an events co-ordinator and bartender and understands the importance of creating the right atmosphere for social gatherings.
He collaborated with Felix, who is also a bartender, and McLean, a DJ, to replicate the mood of a night out with friends on a much smaller scale at home.
Felix, who is Permanand's neighbour in San Juan, said they first came up with the idea last December when they pitched ideas for what business they should start in their WhatsApp group chat.
[caption id="attachment_923098" align="alignnone" width="830"]
Friends and business partners Amrit Permanand and Kevon Felix during an event earlier this year.
Their brand D Wooden Bar, provides bartending and entertainment services to events at home while complying with covid protocols
PHOTO COURTESY AMRIT PERMANAND[/caption]
Beginning with a community-based car wash, the friends eventually settled on a mobile bar, drawing on their experiences in nightlife and entertainment sectors.
Not one to waste time, Permanand got a wooden pallet from his aunt, while Felix, skilled in wood-working and carpentry, took the time to sand it down, varnish and build it into a mini-bar.
The bar which is roughly the size of an office desk can be dismantled for transport and re-assembled at a venue.
Using the network they established as bartenders, the friends were able to book their first event within only three weeks of building the bar in January, thanks to the help of a long-time friend and events manager.
The event was a birthday party for social media influencer Superstar RiRi (Rinelle Francis).
"Everything fell into place really well. Sometimes we would ask ourselves, how we would get some things done and someone would call Amrit and say they had certain events," Felix said.
The friends all agree that crucial to developing their brand was knowing
