From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 25 June 2020. By Eleanor Perkins.

Empty paddling pool becomes a Prosecco bar.

A donation from vendor's proceeds will go to Deal Hospital.

In an innovative move to help get businesses back up and running, a council has granted permission for a Prosecco bar to temporarily take over a public paddling pool.

Craig Anthony Selby also known as Mr Prosecco spotted the unused space at Walmer Paddling Pool and contacted Dover District Council.

Following a site visit, the local authority agreed to let him use the area to operate his mobile bar, which had it not been for the pandemic would be serving at the likes of the Isle of Wight Festival.

Having launched two weekends ago to delighted passers by, the 1968 restored VW Camper named Walter is back every Saturday and Sunday from 1pm until 7pm until the end of July.

Mr Selby, who runs Mr Prosecco under the Caffe Lambro umbrella, said: “It if hadn’t been for corona virus, we would have been at LoveBox Festival, Isle of Wight Festival and Download Festival.

“But in these current times we all have to adapt and overcome and one of the joys of having a mobile unit is that we can be a little bit more flexible.

“I live in Deal and walk along the seafront and just thought this area was crying out for something like this.

“I just thought the pool was a really cool space so proposed it to Dover District Council and we visited the site.

“It’s a huge space so can accommodate lots of people while allowing for social distancing.

“People can enjoy the view of the sea and the general vibe. The kids can grab an ice cream and adults can grab a drink.”

Mr Selby’s menu is not limited to prosecco but also includes a number of draught beers and cocktails - all served in eco-friendly PLA corn starch glasses.

People are reminded that the service is take-away only but can bring their own chairs and blankets and sit nearby, including on Walmer Green.

The bar has been set up in agreement with Your Leisure who usually operate the community space, with one condition. They asked that Mr Selby made a charitable contribution at the end of his stay.

He said: “We absolutely agreed to this. On our last day of trading we will be donating £1 from every drink sold to Deal Hospital.”

A spokesman for Dover District Council said: “The mobile unit is set up to operate in accordance with COVID guidelines, and is covered by a temporary licence, renewed on a weekly basis.

“The mobile unit started two weekends ago and has permission again for this weekend, from 1pm to 7pm.

“DDC is working hard to help businesses get back on their feet, and has set up its innovative new Business Hub to provide a one-stop-shop for local help and support.”

The spokesman added: “DDC looks at business propositions that are brought before us by local business, and takes each one on its merit, as we work to enable and support regeneration across the district.

“Walmer Paddling Pool itself is currently closed, but for the lockdown period only, in keeping with government guidelines.”