Footscray bar designs Ikea-inspired COVID-safe takeaway cocktails

Footscray bar Trouble in Dreams has overhauled its cocktails-to-go operation after "pub crawls" and gatherings outside bars across locked-down Melbourne last weekend attracted widespread criticism.

Up until this week, the Trouble in Dreams "lemonade stand" offered freshly made takeaway cocktails in sealed cups, with a friendly verbal reminder that the drinks need to be enjoyed at home. But from this weekend, the bar is dismantling the drinks into their component parts to actively discourage people from breaking lockdown restrictions.

"We're calling it Some Assembly Required," says owner and manager Chad Parkhill. "The idea is that it's not a complete drink."

"Unless you enjoy drinking straight lemon juice or unrefrigerated spirits on the street, it's not going to be a very fun experience."

While the bar didn't witness any rule-breaking by its patrons last weekend, Parkhill was so concerned by the community's response to reports of bar-hopping that he considered halting takeaway for the remainder of this lockdown.

But, feeling equally concerned about people's mental wellbeing during the city's sixth lockdown, he decided instead to take a leaf out of the 'finish-at-home' meals that many Melbourne restaurants have become experts at designing.

This weekend, people will be able to pre-order a cocktail, come down to the Barkly Street bar to collect it, and when they get home they can mix together ice, pouches of liquids and garnishes to create Hot Buttered Rums, mulled wine or a gin, blackcurrant and pomegranate drink with ombre layers of colour called A Currant Affair.

"In terms of equipment, all you'll need is a pair of scissors and some glasses to drink out of," Parkhill says. Of the seven drinks, only a couple require a cocktail shaker, which the bar hopes to offer affordably.

He hopes that people have some fun with the drinks at home and is looking forward to seeing their creations on Instagram.

Parkhill says he is keenly aware of the fatigue that's set in around restrictions, and the role that hospitality venues play in their local community during lockdowns.

"The lemonade stand gives people a bit more of a taste of normality than a delivery service would. You can take some exercise, get some fresh air and feel like you're reconnecting with the world in a way."

His bar has only been able to operate as a takeaway and delivery service for much of its life, with its March 2020 opening date put on hold by the first lockdown.

Cocktails will be available for pre-order and start at $16. Check Instagram for ordering details. Pick-up available Thurs-Sun, 5pm-8pm.

Trouble in Dreams, 297 Barkly St, Footscray, @troubleindreams