A Polish bartender turned his frustration with bar supplies into an online shop that now earns him money—even while he’s out for a beer.
Challenge
For nearly a decade, Paul B.k worked behind the bar—first in Poland, then across the United Kingdom. He loved the craft of mixology: the balance of flavors, the ritual of shaking and stirring, and the joy of creating a drink that made someone’s night.
But when Paul was tasked with setting up a full bar for a major airline event in London’s O2 Arena, he ran into a problem. Ordering supplies was a nightmare. The supplier’s website had no photos, vague descriptions, and required bulk purchases he didn’t need. The process was slow, expensive, and inefficient.
After yet another frustrating order, Paul thought to himself, there has to be a better way.
Action
That thought became the seed for a new business. Paul decided to create Bar Counter London, an online shop dedicated to professional-quality barware for both bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.
He didn’t have much experience in e-commerce, but he started small—researching suppliers, learning web design, and building his own online store from scratch. His goal was clear: make it easy for people to find what they needed, with clear photos, fair prices, and fast delivery.
He began partnering directly with manufacturers to cut out middlemen and even handcrafted some products himself, like wooden muddlers. To reward loyal visitors, he added a hidden touch—a free shipping coupon tucked at the bottom of his About page, for those curious enough to scroll that far.
Result
Bar Counter London began attracting a steady stream of customers throughout the UK. Orders came in while Paul continued bartending at private events, weddings, and corporate parties.
The best moments? Checking his phone during a night out and seeing that he’d earned a full day’s wages—all while sipping a pint with friends.
The business now provides a consistent stream of income and a creative outlet that keeps Paul connected to the bar community he loves.
Lesson
Paul’s success started with a simple realization: frustration can be the best business inspiration. By solving a problem he experienced firsthand, he built a side hustle that’s both useful and profitable.
You don’t have to quit your job to build something meaningful—just notice what could be better, and start creating the solution yourself.
Inspired by a true story originally featured on Side Hustle School by Chris Guillebeau. This rewritten version is independently produced and fully original.