Mark and Alane James.
Camera IconMark and Alane James. Credit: Supplied/Bruce Hunt               d462611

O Boteco: Couple’s mobile alcohol business raises the bar

Tyler BrownWanneroo Times

FOUR years ago, Alane and Mark James were building their first home and trying to organise their wedding at the same time.

“Our budget was bit tight so we chose to have a small DIY wedding,” Mr James said.

“Alane and I did almost everything ourselves and we were very pleased with the outcome.

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“Since then, Alane wanted to get involved in the wedding scene and be able to provide something different that would add something special to others’ big day.”

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While searching for inspiration, Mrs James “fell in love with the idea” of turning a vintage caravan in to a business.

“Coincidently, I was requested to build a patio at an elderly lady’s backyard and there I spotted an old caravan which I was told had been nestled up for 10 years since her husband passed away,” Mr James said.

“We asked if she was interested in selling it and she proposed us a deal.”

The couple soon got to work restoring the caravan inside and out and transformed it into O Boteco, meaning “little caravan bar”.

“Alane is from Brazil and there o boteco is traditionally known as a small place that is a meeting point for the bohemians where you can buy alcoholic drinks, cheap snacks and a have a good chat,” Mr James said.

O Boteco, based in Landsdale, is now available to hire for events all around Perth.

It does not sell alcohol but customers can provide drinks including champagne, wine, beer or cider on tap, bottled beverages and cocktails, which bar staff will serve from the van.

For separate occasions, it also operates as a food truck, selling a variety of healthy smoothie bowls.

Visit www.oboteco.com.au or call 0402 601 127.