Even with Canberra's "gentle" exit out of lockdown, businesses are still having to pivot, pivot, pivot.
Mercure Canberra is trying something new while utilising what it already has - and giving music lovers what it hopes will be the best seat in the house.
The historic former Hotel Ainslie in Braddon will be holding a VIP blues night in its courtyard gardens on Friday, October 29, when lockdown restrictions are expected to ease even further in the ACT.
But still to keep everyone safe, Mercure will allow guests to enjoy the show from their own private hotel balcony while the band will take centre stage on a walkway across the gardens.
Canberra five-piece jazz band Key Grip will provide the entertainment.
Mercure Canberra general manager Lukas Wilfling said 32 balcony rooms had been set aside, with ticket prices based on proximity and view to the stage. Each room could have five people in it for the concert and two people can stay over night. Platters and drinks are part of the package.
Another 60 people will be able to enjoy the concert in the courtyard, spaced out in individual picnic sites. Each picnic site can be booked for five people. Rugs and chairs are BYO; food and drink can be purchased on the night.
Mr Wilfling agreed tourism and hospitality still had to be innovative even as lockdown lessened its grip on the sectors.
"This set-up will allow us to provide social distancing but also a way for people to socialise," he said.
With all these balconies, let's hope Key Grip plays a rendition of Dire Straits' Romeo and Juliet.
- Concert tickets are available at mercurecanberra.com.au.
