A man and woman stand at a bar, holding drinks and chatting, with a white tiled wall and fireplace behind them, surrounded by bar accessories and plants.

Meet the Faces Behind the Cocktails

Kreative Cocktails was founded in the winter of 2024 by Kristine Lawless and Chris Porteous, a dynamic duo with years of experience in restaurants and catering across Canada. Driven by a shared passion for hospitality and a love of great cocktails, they set out to bring a fresh perspective to Vancouver’s mobile bar scene.

Their vision is simple: to craft unforgettable experiences through expertly curated drinks, warm service, and creative flair. Every cocktail they serve tells a story—a reflection of their journey, their expertise, and their commitment to making each event truly special.

Meet Chris Porteous

Originally from Toronto, Chris began his culinary journey on the East Coast of Canada, working as a chef and mastering the art of building flavours and pairing ingredients from around the world. In 2018, he made the move to Vancouver, trading the kitchen for the Front of House to explore a new side of hospitality.

With his vibrant personality and natural ease with guests, Chris found his stride—rising through the ranks, managing restaurants, and developing bar programs. His diverse experience and passion for both flavour and service now shine through in every cocktail he creates.

Meet Kristine Lawless

Kristine’s journey in hospitality began in Ottawa, where she quickly found her rhythm and passion for the industry. In 2015, she made the move to Vancouver to deepen her bar knowledge and experiment with new ingredients and cocktail styles.

Over the years, Kristine gained a wealth of experience—from working in top-tier restaurants to working for well known catering companies. Her career took a new turn when she stepped into the role of Sales Event Manager, planning and executing a wide range of events. It was during this time that she realized she wanted more creative freedom and hands-on involvement—leading her to co-found Kreative Cocktails with Chris, turning their shared vision into a vibrant reality.