An inflatable pub company born out of a dad and son's thirst for a drink during lockdown has become a national success.

From being named among Britain's top 10 best quirky and witty business names, to hosting parties for a Love Island star, drinks business, The Air of the Dog has gone from strength to strength.

Formerly known as Social Bubble UK, it was created by Richard Martin in Gravesend during lockdown in June 2020.

He first got the idea for an inflatable pub from his dad, Frank, who wanted to enjoy a cheeky tipple when all the pubs were closed during the pandemic.

So 35-year-old Rich decided to branch out and offer the opportunity to hire the venue out through Facebook.

He said: "It kind of just snowballed from there. And after I made it to the paper, I got loads of deposits for bookings for one pub.

"When that pub was paid off, I bought another and when this second pub was paid off I got a third one.

"Then three pubs later, a horse box and a black cab bar later it’s now my full-time job."

Since January the Air of the Dog has become Rich's fill-time job.

Over the last two years the backyard boozer has experienced a surge in popularity which has seen it reach clients such as stars from The Only Way is Essex, as well as ex- Love Island star Dani Dyer, daughter of Eastenders actor Danny Dyer.

Rich recalled the moment he met her and how friendly she was to him and his family.

He said: "Dani was extremely friendly, she even made us all a cuppa. It was a surreal experience. She loved the pub and has booked it again for the World Cup at the end of the year."

"It feels amazing to have gone through all this with my business – from starting during a pandemic to now see how much we’ve grown during this time."

From two events a month, the former bar manager is now used to frantic weekends with up to 10 events back to back.

But Rich has never looked back and says it was the best decision he has ever made.

He added: "We’ve travelled the whole of the UK in the past year, from locations in Kent and Essex, to Southampton and all the way up in Scotland.

"It feels amazing to have gone through all this with my business – from starting during a pandemic to now see how much we’ve grown during this time.

"All our hard work we put into this, but I couldn’t have done it without my family – my mum and dad - and my partner have helped out with pretty much everything. My dad is 63 now and he still wants to help out every week."

The Air of The Dog has also been ranked among the top 10 funniest small business names in Britain by business website Simply Business.

Despite not being crowned the winner, the 35-year-old and his family were thrilled with the national recognition.

Rich said: "It feel feels amazing. All the hard work that my partner Lauren, my dad and my mum have all put in. It's all worthwhile.

"To anyone who wants to start a small business like us, my advice is to get the foundations in place, do something that you know.

"I’ve worked in bars before and I wanted to start my own business. So as long as you've got the knowledge and the support around you then go for it because it's one of the best decisions that I've made."