I met Neil and his wife Carla at Tiki Kon 2018. They came all the way from England to attend Tiki Kon and visit as many tiki bars they could on their trip. That’s hardcore! Neil mentioned that he has his own tiki bar back home in Derby … I had to do a post on it! Here is Neil’s story …
What brought you into the ‘Tiki lifestyle’ and how long has it been part of your life?
Neil- We traveled to Oahu Hawaii three times – in 2004, 2007 and 2011. Originally we were into the surfing scene, so we had a little knowledge of the carved Tikis, but with each visit we became more knowledgeable, but I guess it really started on that holiday in 2004 we were with relations and we played secret Santa, I received a bottle of Trader Vic’s Mai Tai mix … the Mai Tai became my favorite cocktail, if I ever saw it on a menu I would always order one, so I’ve had some odd concoctions over time, The Cheesecake Factories has to be the oddest … this led me along the path of craft/tiki cocktails.
Can you give a little history of how it all came together?
Neil- If you are aware of the Tiki Bar scene in the U.K. you will know the only way to have a good experience is to build your own bar …
Any story behind the name of your bar?
Neil- Hala Kahiki Derby – it named itself, we were gifted so many different Pineapple gifts, candles, ornaments, etc. and I also wanted an Hawaiian name. We were aware of the Hala Kahiki in Chicago and have since visited too, but we couldn’t avoid that name …
What is your favorite Tiki drink? Why?
Neil- My taste changes regularly, there’s nothing better than trying to recreate a drink you had on vacation, that started with the Chartreuse Swizzle after visiting Smugglers Cove, so currently my favorite is a Jet Pilot, I love the spice and rum.
What is your favorite Tiki bar? Not including your own!
Neil- I can’t choose between Hale Pele and Smugglers Cove, and I’d like to revisit False Idol too just to get another look at that again, I really liked Hale Pele though.
Outside of great drinks, what do you think are essential elements in creating the perfect Tiki environment?
Neil- Good lighting, if anyone ever asks about lighting in a tiki bar I always say double what you think you need … at some point I need to get a professional in to add more lighting opportunities to my own bar. Decor and music …
What does the future hold for you and your home tiki bar?
Neil- I’d really like to get a piece of Bosko art, I have a space above a door saved, I’d like some sort of tasteful smallish Witco, and I plan to build a bamboo and jade tile screen to cover a WHITE radiator, oh yeah and more electrics, maybe I could host Tiki with Ray?
Neil’s bar was featured in Vintage Life Magazine!
