There are plenty of ways to make a wedding, birthday party or work event feel special.
Some involve weeks of planning. Others involve a pint of Guinness with someone’s face on it.
That’s the idea behind The Pint Printers, a UK business run by Luke and his partner Samantha, that lets people print photos, logos and personal designs straight onto the foam of a drink.
One minute it’s an ordinary pint. Six seconds later, there’s a picture of the groom, the family dog or the company logo sitting on top.
The machine can be hired for events across the UK, and it works on far more than Guinness.
From espresso martinis to cappuccinos, it gives guests a little surprise without adding a complicated job to the organiser’s list.
1. It makes the little moments more personal
With The Pint Printers, the design can be as sensible or as silly as the occasion calls for. Wedding couples might choose their initials, their wedding date or a picture of their dog.
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A birthday party could feature an old school photo that the guest of honour would probably rather forget. And at a work event, a company logo or campaign design can make an ordinary round of drinks feel part of the occasion.
Up to six designs can be loaded onto the machine before it arrives. Customers can send their own artwork, or explain what they have in mind and get help creating it. There is also a QR code option, so guests can upload a selfie and see it printed directly onto their drink.
It’s the sort of detail that gets guests comparing drinks, laughing at the designs and taking pictures together. Suddenly, the bar has become part of the entertainment.
And unlike a traditional party favour, nobody has to find room for it in a handbag or carry it home. The memory lasts longer than the pint, which is probably for the best.
2. It’s surprisingly easy to organise and use
Luke has kept the process at The Pint Printers straightforward. Once a package is booked, the designs are agreed in advance and loaded onto the machine. It is sent by tracked courier to the venue, usually arriving one or two days before the event. The ink is already fitted, so the bar team can follow the instructions, plug it in and get started in around five minutes.
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There is no need to hire a separate operator or arrange lengthy training. The printer sits on the bar while the bartender carries on pouring drinks. Someone chooses a design, presses a button and the picture appears on the foam in about six seconds. Guests can also scan the QR code to add their own photo.
The printing uses edible, flavourless ink, which the business says has been tested to FDA, EU and SGS food contact standards. It sits on the froth rather than changing the flavour of the drink. That means the pint still tastes like the pint someone ordered, just with a rather unexpected finishing touch.
When the event is finished, the return is simple too. The Pint Printers sends a return QR code, and the machine can be dropped at a participating local collection point within two working days. No printer for a postage label, and no complicated collection arrangements to squeeze into the morning after.
3. It works for all sorts of drinks and occasions
Guinness might be the first drink that comes to mind, but it is far from the only option. The machine works with drinks that have a suitable frothy or creamy top, including stout, espresso martinis, foamed cocktails, cappuccinos, lattes and hot chocolate.
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Not everyone wants a pint or drinks alcohol, so coffee and hot chocolate are handy options. The drink simply needs enough foam for the design. Smooth drinks such as wine, prosecco and lager are not suitable.
There is a package for different types of celebration too. Party hire starts at £395, making it an option for milestone birthdays, hen parties, stag weekends and anniversaries. Wedding packages start at £495, while corporate packages start at £750 for launches, conferences and other work events.
Packages are based on the number of prints rather than the number of guests, with options for around 200, 400 or 600 prints. The hire includes the machine, a fresh ink cartridge, help with designs, delivery, return instructions and support on the day.
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That makes it easier to pick an option that suits the plans and budget without having to organise lots of separate extras.
For anyone planning a wedding, party or corporate event, Luke’s idea offers a personal detail that people can actually share in. To explore the packages or ask about a date, visit the The Pint Printers website. Just be prepared for someone to insist that the dog looks better on a Guinness than the groom does.