Diageo Bar Academy has opened a new venue. Virtual Bar is designed specifically for the bartender industry to connect and learn through a range of new materials, events and resources. The Virtual Bar bridges the gap between the physical and digital worlds, creating a unique online global community space featuring interactive events, live workshops, Q&A panels and the like.
Each room in the Virtual Bar is distinctly styled based on a specific theme and topics. Bartenders, owners and managers can get the inside track on emerging industry trends in the Central Bar, unlock their experimental side in the Creative Lab, get familiar with their favourite drinks categories in the Liquid Studio and connect with like-minded bar professionals in the Social Club.
Jacqueline Nasta, Head of Global On Trade Customer Marketing at Diageo said: “Innovation, creativity and community have always been at the heart of Diageo Bar Academy, and we are really excited that the Virtual Bar has given us the opportunity to bring these core principles to life.
"This exciting space was built with our community members in mind – to provide them with a friendly local neighbourhood bar no matter where they are in the world. With what feels like the limitless possibilities interactive 3D experiences offer, we can’t wait to see how the Virtual Bar evolves in step with the future of our industry.”
Exclusive video content on creative bar techniques such as smoking cocktails and fermentation will encourage bar professionals to push their creativity to the limit, while the unique Retro Cocktail Match Maker is the ticket to discover classic cocktail recipes.
The Virtual Bar will also host community events including a virtual whisky tasting with Johnnie Walker and non-alcoholic cocktail workshop with Seedlip, mentoring sessions, and Q&A panels with prominent industry figures.
The Diageo Bar Academy launched in 2011 with the intention to offer networking, training and inspiration opportunities for bar professionals.
Diageo Bar Academy member Ben Kanyi said: “I love the concept – having lots of rooms available is a great idea as you can explore different topics relevant to bartenders. The Creative Lab was my favourite room – a place to explore my creative side, whether that be elevating classic cocktails or discovering new recipes!”
The bar is launching with a treasure hunt within the Virtual Bar. Find all the clues for a chance to win a personalised barware roll-up kit. Bar professionals can sign up to become a Diageo Bar Academy member for free to gain exclusive access to the Virtual Bar. Step Inside the Virtual Bar now: www.diageobaracademy.com/virtual-bar-limited-access
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