WARRNAMBOOL'S lush green scenery and sports culture are the backdrop for a new pop-up bar open until late January.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Garrett Wyse and Tyson Jakirsch have put their their cocktail making skills to work for five weeks in a public marque at the Warrnambool Lawn Tennis Club.
Mr Wyse's events business Chariot Bar hasn't catered for its usual calendar of weddings and corporate occasions this year.
"This opportunity would never have come up if it wasn't for COVID," Mr Wyse said.
"We have always wanted to do a pop-up bar but the legislation was never available before."
The venue, called Lawn Bar, will welcome up to 70 people under a Victorian government COVID outdoor dining liquor licence until January 26.
Mr Wyse said he had 30 years' experience in hospitality and would be offering everything from Singapore Slings to Espresso Martinis and "superfood cocktails" with acai powder.
He said the business would employ about six staff, two from South West TAFE as part of training they were unable to secure this year in events and tourism.
"By the end of this summer they will be cocktail bartenders," Mr Wyse said.
He hopes pop-up bars will be a feature for summers in the future too.
"I think there are opportunities for Warrnambool with less bricks and mortar, there's plenty of outdoor space and recreational areas that can be used," he said.
Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.