Be At One Bar launches new ‘swap and sip’ initiative

Christmas gifts under christmas tree with fireplace in background.
Christmas gifts under christmas tree with fireplace in background. (Getty Images: AZemdega)

Be At One Bar is channelling the festive spirit this year with their new “swap and sip” initiative.

Guests are in with the chance of receiving a free festive cocktail by donating a toy at any Be At One venue.

All donated toys are gifted to local children’s hospitals, running from Monday 9 to Wednesday 11 December.

Guests can bring a new and unwrapped toy to any one of the 40 nationwide Be At One bars, in order to receive their complimentary ‘Bloody Christmas’ cocktail.

A spokesperson at All Bar One told The Morning Advertiser (The MA): "Christmas is one of our busiest trading periods and during this time we decided there was an opportunity to use this uplift in footfall to do something positive for the community and support in spreading a little more Christmas cheer.”

Giving back and improving lives

They explained the purpose of the initiative was not to increase trade but rather to provide joy to children who are in need.

The spokesperson stressed there was no financial gain as a result of the scheme for the business, adding their concerns were centred around giving back and improving children’s lives.

They continued: “Hospitality is feeling the challenges of the current economical climate but we know this extends to all and during this higher trading period, we have a chance to share our passion with the public by providing a free cocktail and hopefully putting a smile on a child’s face with a toy.”

The spokesperson explained while the company has not introduced any similar initiatives before, they have raised more than £1m for their chosen charity throughout the year, the company being MNDA.

“Should this be successful, we will hope to see how we can mirror or enhance our support in the future”, they stated.

Shared responsibility

Toys accepted at the sites include new and unbroken items, with one cocktail available per person.

No broken items will be accepted, the scheme aims to unite the community over a charity based cause.

The company highlighted they felt all hospitality businesses should give back where they can.

It urged, “We all have a responsibility to create initiatives where we can give back to a wider community or cause.”

Be At One, operations director Andy Palfreyman added: “Christmas is a time for giving - not just to our loved ones, but also to those who need it most.

“With the support of the nation, we’re thrilled to bring some festive magic to children in hospitals who deserve joy and smiles during the holidays.

“Our goal is to collect as many toy donations as possible to make their Christmas brighter.”