A Sidcup bar which hosted a Bexley’s Got Talent has crowned their winner with a Dartford singer who is taking away a trip to New York and “a night she will always remember”.
The Tap in Blackfen Road is owned by husband-and-wife duo Jane and Chris Devito who came up with the idea of the fundraising talent show to “give a little back” to their chosen charity.
The event raised funds and awareness for the non-profit organization, AIM (Autistic Inclusive Meets) and whilst there was no cost to enter or attend, a bucket was passed around allowing people to give as much as they can.
In the end, a 21-year-old Dartford singer who has aspirations of starting a full-time music career won the show.
Megan Maginnis explained that she was shocked to win but is delighted to be able to take her mum to New York with her – which is something they have both always dreamed of.
The five-day trip to New York City in a luxurious 4-star hotel is courtesy of Hayes travel Eltham.
Megan told the News Shopper: “Everyone was amazing. I definitely did not expect to win but yeah, it was also a little overwhelming.
“It was an amazing night, one that I will remember forever. The atmosphere was buzzing, but everyone made each other feel comfortable.
“The Tap team really did make the biggest effort and it paid off because the place was amazing. The people are amazing. All the judges were lovely too.
“I want to thank the Tap and all their sponsors for such an amazing opportunity.”
Jane added: “Everyone that was in there was saying how lovely it was and how all the acts came together and were really supporting each other.
“It was just tough deciding because they're all so good, but obviously, in the end, we picked Megan, and she's really, really good.”
“She just has such a raw voice. She’s 21 and I just thought that she’s so young but very mature. She had me crying yesterday because the song she sang was so beautiful. Just incredible talent.”
Jane explained that the three runners up have been asked to return to the bar to sing so that they could get a permanent gig at the venue.
The series of Thursday shows raised £800 for the charity, with the hope that future events will contribute even more to AIM.
Jane explained: “We have chose an organisation called AIM which supports those with autism because our youngest son is autistic. We wanted to do something that was close to our hearts.”
Jane and Chris go on to thank their local sponsors for all their support and generosity: Cousins Roofing and Building, Easter Flooring LTD, Bexley Builders, Floyds of Sidcup, Billingsgate Wrap and Capital.
The bar itself has become well known for giving customers a unique experience by allowing them to pour their own pints in their innovative beer booths with three taps.
Customers can purchase a card with their desired amount and receive a prepaid swipe-card that activates both the tablet and taps at their chosen beer booth.
This card can be used to top up with additional funds and order food, beverages, and tapas, including bottled beers, wine, and cocktails.
You can even try the venue's own brand of beer, called Tap, which has quickly gained popularity among customers.
The bar will close for a short time in January for a refurb and Jane promises that exciting things are on their way.
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