Schweppes rolls-out an online virtual bar guide

Schweppes has launched its first pan-European website (www.schweppeseuro.com). It includes an online bar guide which promises to give visitors the low-down on the coolest hangouts in Europe.

Created by Web branding agency 64k, Schweppeseuro.com is aimed at 18to 34year-olds and features reviews of about 70 Schweppes-owned bars in 19 countries across Europe.

The site is available only in English but will be translated into French, Italian, German and Spanish.

Easy-to-follow symbols give an overview of the facilities and services offered by each venue featured in the European Bar Guide, such as food, accommodation, play area or outdoor seating.

Once they have visited a bar listed on the guide, site visitors can enter the “word of mouse” section, to rate their experience and spread the news about a bar they think is worth a visit.

Bar owners are also given the chance to promote their establishments through the website and can use the information submitted in the rating section to improve their service.

To keep up to date with new venues, the Bar Alert e-mails users about new bar openings within the countries or cities of their choice.

The site also includes a guide to Schweppes products, a brief history of the company and the “Virtual Barman” – a directory of new and outrageous cocktails.

Visitors can search for cocktails by name, alcoholic content or a particular Schweppes mixer, as well as find out what glass to use with certain drinks and access a guide to the essential contents of a well-stocked bar.

64k chief executive Matthew Groves says: “The site provides visitors with all the information they need to become a cocktail connoisseur, even down to which glasses to use for specific drinks.”

Peter Kirby, brands director for Schweppes International Europe, adds: “The site has translated the brand well to local markets, while creating a centralised online community.”