We’re about a month into Circuit Breaker, with hopefully just another to go. The F&B industry has suffered an extraordinary toll over as the COVID-19 pandemic has single-handedly disrupted multiple sectors; from hospitality to many non-essential essential businesses (shoutout to our favourite bars).
When dining out was to be banned until further notice, many local bars were hit hard. But while many still struggle to stay afloat—coming up with multiple means from offering bottled cocktails to selling vouchers— family-owned distillery William Grant & Sons (WG&S) has joined hands with a slew of homegrown watering holes to stay ‘open’ via online platform 1887 Virtual Bar.
Since its launch on 9 April 2020, 1887 Virtual Bar has sold more than 340 cocktails and successfully raised over S$14,000 (as of 3 June 2020) for the local bartending community.
1887 Virtual Bar: Weekly Live Virtual Guest Shifts
Live guest shifts take place via Zoom every Thursday evening and thus far, these weekly sessions have graced many local bartending icons including the likes of Sam Wong from Shin Gi Tai; Collin Chia from Nutmeg & Clove; Christyne Lee from Tess Bar & Kitchen; Michael Foong from Jekyll & Hyde; Kamil Foltan from IBHQ; Michael Callahan from Barbary Coast, and Giovanni Graziadei from Asia’s 50 Best Bars winner Jigger & Pony.
1887 Virtual Bar will continue its guest shifts through the month of June while bars and entertainment venues remain closed during the Safe Re-Opening phase post-Circuit Breaker. Nearly three months since venues have been unable to welcome diners, 1887 Virtual Bar gives local bars a way to stay “open”, engage audiences and earn some income to defray costs during this challenging period.
Through tuning in each week, participants get to watch a repertoire of veteran bartenders shake up not one, but four of their own unique cocktails! At the end of each virtual shift, viewers get the opportunity to purchase vouchers for any of the four cocktails by the respective bars at S$20 each. These vouchers which can be redeemed after Circuit Breaker. P.s. These monies will go directly to the bars themselves.
WG&S will match donations dollar for dollar
The first-ever virtual bar experience of its kind, this initiative also doubles up as a fundraiser. WG&S will additionally match dollar-for-dollar (up to S$1000/bar) in donations to support local bars through this time of great uncertainty and financial turmoil. Each week, the partner bar showcases four drinks on the ticketing platform, and every $20 donated to their bar of choice entitles consumers to a digital drinks voucher, redeemable for a drink when the bar resumes operations.
Consumers can make a donation and support their favourite bars during these guest shifts by purchasing a digital cocktail off the menu via this link.
“The 1887 Virtual Bar was started as a way to help local bars stay ‘open’ during these uncertain times. Since its launch, we’ve been heartened to see everyday Singaporeans joining our virtual sessions week on week, and are grateful for their support and donations.
We believe the circuit breaker period has not only brought the Singapore bartending community closer together but also opened us up to everyday Singaporeans. These virtual sessions have offered us a unique opportunity to connect with consumers from all walks of life. On average, our guest shifts are attended by 100 people and during the hour-long sessions they get the chance to ask questions and learn about different techniques and drinks – an up close and personal experience they may not get in person, in a crowded bar.
While we look forward to the day we can share a drink in person at our favourite bar, we hope consumers will continue joining us at the 1887 Virtual Bar to support the local bartending community who’ve had to halt physical operations for the past two months. We guarantee an hour full of laughter and good vibes, ” said Satya Sharma, Managing Director for South-East Asia, William Grant & Sons.
Strange times indeed call for stranger measures. But we’re just glad that people out there are still fighting the good fight to keep Singapore’s bar scene alive. Stand with us and let’s see this plight through, shall we?
Upcoming shifts for June 2020 include:
- Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall on 4 June at 8 pm
- No Sleep Club on 11 June at 8 pm
- Tippling Club on 18 June at 8 pm
When: Until end June 2020 (Every Thursday)
Where: From the comfort of your own home
More Information:
1887 Virtual Bar
Click here to register your attendance for 1887 Virtual Bar.
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