A health and well-being centre in Sydney has raised eyebrows after offering to serve organic vodka mixed with kombucha – rather than the traditional mixers.
Sydney journalist Nick Bond was shocked when staff at a cafe inside the ‘The Well’ – a gym, a café, and wellness therapy clinic based in Bondi Beach – said they only had Kombucha, a fermented tea-based drink from China.
The Well offers yoga and meditation classes, acupuncture, naturopathy and massages – as well as having a cafe serving alcoholic drinks with it’s ‘plant-based plates’.
They serve organic vodka and gin, natural lager, and cloudy cider – but not traditional mixers such as soda or unhealthy options such as tonic, Coke or lemonade.
The Well in Bondi is a gym, a café, and a therapy clinic. There’s yoga classes, kids yoga, meditation classes. They also offer acupuncture, naturopathy and massages
A vodka with komubcha was not quite the drink Sydney man Nick Bond was after when he entered trendy ‘wellness centre’ The Well in Bondi
Kombucha has become popular in Australia in recent years because it’s supposed to have ‘detoxifying and energising’ properties.
‘I’ve lived in Bondi for two years but I still wasn’t prepared for trying to order a vodka soda today and being told ‘we only do vodka and kombucha’, Mr Bond tweeted.
‘The explanation: ‘We’re trying to encourage people who want alcohol to try… healthier options…’
‘Ok cool I’ll go drink some goon in the park thanks.’
However, the The Well’s owner, Robby Ingham, said while they didn’t stock tonic, Coca-Cola or lemonade, they did have soda and said there must have been a mix up with Mr Bond.
Kombucha, a tea-based beverage, which was traditionally consumed in China for its detoxifying and energizing properties
The explanation for not serving vodka with soda was apparently that they want to encourage people to try healthier options
While they have a liquor licence, selling alcohol is not the main part of the business.
‘We believe very strongly that life should be lived in moderation. So having a glass of wine or two with a meal is allowed – also spirits if you choose – but we definitely do not recommend drinking heavily,’ Mr Inham told Daily Mail Australia.
‘As much as we are trying to be good, we can’t be perfect.’
The traditional mixer ban has since divided social media.
‘Please. If you’re drinking in The Well you’re literally drinking in a gym. You’ve made your choices,’ one said.
‘Sydney to Melbourne, ‘I see your smashed avocado, and raise you a vodka and kombucha’,’ another person said.
‘I’m curious? Was it served by an Instagram Influencer who was collaborating with an activated charcoal powder teeth whitening brand?’ joked another.