Northamptonshire vodka maker launches virtual cocktail bar on Facebook

An award-winning Northamptonshire vodka maker is helping to combat loneliness and isolation during the current coronavirus outbreak by launching ‘The Lockdown Local’ – a virtual cocktail bar hosted on Facebook– with guests able to sample a range of cocktails mixed live on the social network by brand founder Benjamin Jelley.

He said: “These are tough times for all of us and with the whole country in the grip of a national lockdown, there is a very real danger that many of us will feel isolated and lonely. Pubs are a cucial part of our communities but if people can’t get to the pub, I’ll bring the pub to the people.”

Jelley’s has launched a new ‘Lockdown Local’ bundle on its website, which gives customers the chance to buy all the ingredients they need to make their own cocktails and follow Benjamin as he mixes drinks on Facebook Live.

The first packs will contain a 20cl bottle of Jelley’s Organic Pomegranate and Rosemary Vodka and a bottle of Jelley’s Organic Pomegranate Juice plus a selection of Fever Tree mixers and all the garnishes you need to create the perfect pick-me-up to help cope with the side effects of self-isolation.

Further packs will be available for future events. Benjamin added: “This situation is unprecedented but it is bringing out the best in people. We want to celebrate that and bring people together to raise a glass to true British spirit.”

Jelley’s is also offering a special deal for anyone wanting to gift a selection pack to any NHS or emergency service worker to say thank you for their efforts in fighting the coronavirus pandemic.

A 50% discount will be applied to all orders purchased as a gift for a named key worker (valid ID will be required at point of purchase).

Warren Penford, Jelley’s Vodka Sales Director, said: “When all this is over, nobody deserves a drink more than the heroes at the frontline of all this, our NHS workers, emergency services staff and all those keeping the country going in its hour of need.This is a way of saying thank you and showing your appreciation for all they have done to help us when we needed them the most.”