Coronavirus: Britons can now drink together on lockdown in virtual pub

Going to the pub on a Friday night was a normal thing to do for many Britons – before the UK was put under the coronavirus lockdown a few weeks ago.

Now, a virtual pub has opened its doors so that drinkers can get together and chat over a glass of wine or a pint while they stay at home and protect the NHS.

Anyone can join the video platform The Red (On)Lion for a drink and a chat, which features a main bar area.

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Visitors can create or book a table to set up video conferencing with their friends, take part in games or tune into events such as pub quizzes.

Talks will also be given on subjects ranging from homebrewing to Belgian beer.

The creators, the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra), made the platform to help tackle loneliness and social isolation.

Nik Antona, chairman of Camra, said: “While nothing can replace the community created by a real local pub, we wanted to create a home where the nation’s beer and cider drinkers can come together for a chat and a drink.

“We’re all experiencing social isolation and loneliness, so now it is more important than ever before to come together as a community to support one another.”

He added: “We also know that there are so many great events and activities already set up and running online, and we’d love to help amplify the voice and impact of those events while creating a place where beer drinkers can find all virtual events taking place with one click of a button.”

All bars, pubs, restaurants and non-essential shops have been closed across the UK in a bid to slow down the spread of coronavirus.

On Friday, it was revealed that a further 684 people had died in the UK after contracting coronavirus – bringing the total number of deaths to 3,605.

(c) Sky News 2020: Coronavirus: Britons can now drink together on lockdown in virtual pub