Pop-up pub promotes social connection for Men's Health Week

Staff organised a pop-up pub at Lifeview Willow Wood to promote social connection for Men's Health Week last Friday.

Aptly titled ‘The Watering Hole’, the pop-up pub’s centrepiece, a professionally installed bar for the day (replete with cold Carlton Draught on tap) proved extremely popular.

The bar served pots (with handles of course) as the gentlemen ordered their beers – and other drinks – and received a raffle ticket for a chance to win the traditional meat tray.

Wine, Guinness, whiskey, fruit juice and soft drink were also available for attendees, who came together to celebrate being social and staying connected – the theme of the day.

The lucky resident who won the meat tray, Russell, is now able to nominate a future day of his choosing and invite mates to share a special personal barbecue experience, with Lifeview staff to host and cook the meat from the local butcher.

Of course, a pub’s not a pub without a proper counter meal menu, and Lifeview chefs prepared four items for the men to select – fish and chips, chicken parma (which proved the most popular), Angus beef pie and chips, and the Aussie classic lamb’s fry and bacon.  

A four-round ‘pub quiz’ challenge proved popular with each table nominating their team name.

For those keeping score, the Rock Bottom Blues team, made up of gentlemen from Willow Wood, prevailed victorious and each took home a box of chocolates for their triumph.

Prizes were also awarded to the runners-up and third-placed teams, while spot prizes were picked up by other residents, including ‘The Watering Hole’ branded stubby holders, and a special edition ‘Macca’s Bar t-shirt’, named in honour of the day’s bartender.

‘The Watering Hole’ also featured the cricket and footy on TV, plenty of bar paraphernalia – including genuine Carlton Draught coasters (thanks to the Rosstown Hotel), and of course a pool table (relocated into the bar for the day).

The pool table proved popular from first drinks to stumps, and even a karaoke machine made an impromptu appearance late in proceedings just prior to closing time.  

“Absolutely wonderful – I hope this becomes an annual event as it’s something we can really look forward to,” explained Michael, a resident from Willow Wood.

“This was incredible – thank you to all the staff who put in the work to do this properly,” said another resident, Mike.

All the gentlemen spoke glowingly of the pop-up pub and said they were already looking forward to next year.

View the pub pics on Facebook

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