Northern beaches coronavirus: Order cocktails made on doorstep while in isolation
Missing your Friday night cocktail because of the coronavirus? Well, you can now have one made on your doorstep. Let the fun begin.
Manly
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Some good news for those who want a bit of a lift during the COVID-19 isolation restrictions.
A northern beaches business has launched a new service where you can order cocktails online and a bartender will come to your door and make them for you.
When I heard about this concept, I decided pretty quickly it needed further investigation.
So it came about that I had a couple of cocktails on a Thursday afternoon, for research purposes of course.
My son Charlie, also stuck at home due to the health crisis, and just turned 18, also got lucky.
The no-touch bar service was thought up by staff at The Hold, Manly, looking to adapt after pubs were forced to close due to the pandemic.
To order a cocktail you go online — I recommend you peruse the menu from the sofa — pay for it, get some suitable glasses ready and then wait for a bartender to turn up and make it for you.
You can also book in advance if you have a special occasion coming up.
Barman Lucas Reigada, 27, of Manly, rocked up on a bike at the allotted time of 1pm, a bit early for midweek cocktails, but it suited the photographer.
He wore a mask and after introducing himsef from a safe distance, slapped on the hand sanitiser, set up his bamboo tray and then stepped away and waited for us to place our glasses down.
The process means we were never within two metres of each other.
He then set about putting on a show and making us some rather delicious cocktails — my favourite was the lychee martini, $15. Charlie liked the espresso martini, also $15, and the margarita, $15.
Other options include an old fashioned or negroni at $18 each.
Keith Skinner, manager at The Hold, said the idea was borne from some brainstorming sessions to try and keep staff in jobs.
“The customer orders, pays online and provides the glasses,” he said.
The team have two bartenders on bikes and one who can travel further afield by car.
“It’s a zero touch process,” Mr Skinner said.
“The staff wear masks and use hand sanitiser before making the cocktails.”
He said it was a great way to add a bit of fun to people’s lives during self-isolation.
“The selling point is the theatre of it,” Mr Skinner said.
I have to admit it’s probably the most exciting thing that has happened since the ‘lockdown’ in our house and a good way to celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary, or to break up the monotony of isolation.
For those who want something to eat with their cocktails, The Hold is still doing an extensive range of burgers and sides, as well as beer and wine.
Go to thehold.com.au.