Lion and Furphy Refreshing Ale are launching Furphy Fridays, a virtual pub experience for the public, this week, with participating hotels able to sell takeaway beer through the initiative.
Starting this Friday 24 April and running weekly until 29 May, Furphy Fridays will create a virtual pub experience for 1000 Australians. The inaugural event will run for one hour from 5:30pm AEST, and will be hosted by comedian Matt O’Kine and cricketer Aaron Finch. A different celebrity bartender and guest will drop in each week to create a virtual pub atmosphere for Aussies missing the in-venue experience.
“While we can’t physically be with our mates to connect and share stories from the working week, this will be the next best thing as we navigate this period of physical distancing,” stated Furphy Brand Director Malcolm Eadie.
“While our favourite pubs and bars are shut, people are forced to enjoy their Friday Furphy remotely in some pretty dull settings. We are stepping in to bring people together for an hour of great stories, pub traditions and entertainment – as we all try to stay digitally connected.”
In partnership with pubs
As part of the virtual experience, Furphy will partner with pubs, clubs and bars around the country who have adapted to the times for takeaway sales, giving pub-goers the opportunity to support their local during this difficult time.
One partnering venue is The Lady Hampshire in Sydney’s inner suburbs, where the weekly session will be filmed.
“We want to make sure people remember what an important role pubs play in the Australian way of life. We can’t band together for a beer and a yarn in the front bar at the moment but we can’t wait to welcome you back when the time is right,” said Matt Crosthwaite from The Lady Hampshire.
“The virtual Furphy pub is here to remind us what awaits us all at the end of this long road. In the meantime, we’ll be here with cold Furphy to enjoy from the comfort of home.”
Venues can register their information on the Furphy website here so as to connect virtual pub-goers with their local bottle shop.