A former Formula 1 grid girl says her decision to open a swanky new bar has been motivated entirely by her seven-year-old son.
Kayleigh Aldred has run the three-storey Bluebirds function room in Snargate Street, Dover, since 2013.
With the top floor of the building used for events including weddings, the 37-year-old has now decided to overhaul its middle floor into a new facility called Harley Bar.
Previously used for office storage space, Ms Aldred says she has launched the bar so her son, Harleydene, can work on the project with her.
“I wanted to give him something,” said Ms Aldred, who opened the bar last Saturday.
“He’s seven now and I want to build his future and allow him to learn the values of work while naming a space for my son.
“He has loved helping me with it all and has really enjoyed cleaning everything.”
Harley Bar can cater for up to 100 guests and has been designed with a black and gold theme.
Ms Aldred, who has worked at several British Grand Prix, including Silverstone’s 50th anniversary in 2014, says she wanted the bar to be the complete opposite of the function room.
Alongside the stylish new seating, the makeover – which Ms Aldred says has cost several thousand pounds – has seen the addition of a new DJ sound system and dance floor.
The space is open primarily at weekends, as well as during the week for group events.
Ms Aldred, from Walmer, added: “We’re doing buffets, meals and stuff for Christmas, plus an over 30s night on July 25 too.
“So I’m really hopeful it can be a success and all I can do is try.
“I’m prepared to put all my effort into it and hopefully it will pay off with a great space.
“We have gin, vodka, wine, champagne, Prosecco and beer, plus things like hot dogs and gourmet burgers for certain events.
“We’ll be open predominantly on weekends, but we’ll also be using the space during the week for when people are here for Bluebirds.
“I think Dover is lacking an all-round event space and I think we can cater for that.”
