Bar Trolley S 179 Tanqueray from thonet

Whether used as a home bar cart, serving trolley or side table, the elegant tubular steel design from legendary architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is a shining example of the design principles “less is more” and “form follows function”. The bar trolley is characterised by a refined structure with a centred, symmetrical composition. It was first produced in the 1930s when the designs of leading Bauhaus designers and masters were being put into industrial production, making Thonet one of the most important manufacturers of modern tubular steel furniture. This classic design is now being relaunched with a modern twist, and, almost one hundred years after it was first produced, is still just as appealing with its minimalist shape and functionality.

From an elegant addition to private living or dining rooms to a practical serving trolley in high-end hotels, the S 179 bar trolley is a mobile and versatile piece. Made of chrome-plated tubular steel, its form follows its function. One continuous, centrally placed piece of bent tubular steel provides the supporting structure for the sophisticated design. The trolley rests on three points: the two wheels and the bend at the front of the frame. The aluminium wheel discs encompassed by rubber rings are connected to the frame via an axle tube.

It was back in 2022 that Thonet collaborated with Tanqueray on a new-look drinks trolley. Renowned product designer Sebastian Herkner took his design cues for this limited-edition trolley from the colours and materials of the unmistakeable Tanqueray gin bottle. The classic minimalist chrome frame of the original piece is retained, with the addition of fluted glass in London Green, a mirrored finish and small details such as the iconic Tanqueray red seal, which features on the exquisite leather handle. The trolley has ample space for a bottle or two of Tanqueray gin and everything else you might need to prepare the perfect G&T or cocktail. Two versions of the S 179 bar trolley are available: an updated version of the classic design and the Tanqueray special edition. Both are perfect for stylish entertaining with a little help from Thonet.

For more stability and to prevent bottles from falling over, Thonet Design has added a rail above the bottom shelf.

Compared with Mies van der Rohe’s original design from the 1930s, the relaunched version is somewhat larger in scale to bring the bar trolley up to date.