Drinks brand Campari has announced virtual reopening of three of the world’s best bars - and the public is invited to a virtual event to help to hospitality industry during the COVID-19 crisis.
With uncertainty around when the UK’s bars and restaurants will reopen and international travel looking unlikely for many this summer, the iconic Italian aperitivo brand has partnered with some of the world’s best bars to reopen virtually – giving hundreds of Britons the chance to enjoy an international cocktail experience like no other.
Campari has partnered with the number one bar in the world*, New York’s Dante; one of Italy’s most talked-about cocktail bars, Rome’s Drink Kong; and Scotland’s best bar, Panda & Sons, globally acclaimed for creating their own cocktail techniques, situated in the heart of Edinburgh.
The initiative is in aid of Campari UK’s Shaken Not Broken fund. The fund is administered by The Drinks Trust and provides much-needed support to frontline workers from the UK’s beleaguered bar industry.
Each intimate session will offer guests the opportunity to take a virtual seat at the bar and spend time with an award winning, world-class mixologist, including Linden Pride from Dante, Patrick Pistolesi from Drink Kong and Iain McPherson from Panda & Sons.
Guests will learn how to mix classic Campari cocktails such as the Negroni and Sbagliato, as well as signature Campari creations from the bars themselves. It’s a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and philosophy of the venue and hear some of their host’s best tales from behind the bar.
Ahead of the night, two pre-made Campari cocktails from the bars’ famous menus will be delivered to guests’ homes, along with the ingredients to mix another cocktail alongside the bartender.
And as guests enjoy their drinks, they’ll also be treated to some world class entertainment for a taste of the atmosphere at each location. This includes a performance from Dante’s three-piece jazz band, a ritualistic journey of taste and sound from Drink Kong and a show from a world-famous circus performer from Panda & Sons.
The experiences, including drinks, are priced at £20 per person. With just an intimate eight places per slot, guests will have a rare chance to quiz one of the leading lights of the bar world, meet fellow cocktails lovers, or just sit back and enjoy the experience.
Over the course of the next few weeks, Campari will be reopening a different bar each weekend launching with Dante (12-13 June), Drink Kong (18-20 June) then Panda & Sons (25-27 June). On each night, guests will be able to choose from one of three slots – 6pm, 7.30pm or 9pm – each lasting an hour.
Nick Williamson, Marketing Director at Campari UK, said: “The closure of bars across the UK has had a profound effect on the industry and the livelihoods of those working in it. There are also many of us who are missing the experience of going to our favourite venues to enjoy a drink with friends. Although we can’t, yet, open the doors in real life, this is the next best thing to being there.
“It’s an honour to be partnering with bars of the calibre of Dante, Drink Kong and Panda & Sons. The way these venues have come together to help support staff at local bars across the country is testament to the community spirit that exists in the hospitality industry.”
People can secure their exclusive slot by visiting the ticket booking page.
