Mr Brownie Is Operating as a Pop-Up for Hospo Workers to Sell Their Products During Lockdown

South Melbourne four-storey British-Indian pub Mr Brownie is operating as a pop-up takeaway hub for hospitality professionals to help the industry survive a second lockdown. The venue opened to the public in early July and was only operating for a couple of weeks before it was forced to shift to takeaway following a second wave of Covid-19 in Melbourne. It’s been operating as a takeaway venue since the second lockdown began earlier in July, dishing up takeaway curry and beer.

Chef-restaurateur Jessi Singh owns and operates Mr Brownie (as well as Horn Please, Daughter in Law and Mrs Singh). He says the decision to help as many hospitality workers as possible was one of the easiest of his career.

“We just want to help anyone and everyone affected by this, and we’ve had heaps of interest so far,” he says. “We’re happy to dedicate anything from a small fridge or counter space to something bigger if it’s needed, too.”

Visa workers and other hospitality professionals have already started selling cafe breakfasts and takeaway cocktails. Singh is encouraging any hospitality employees impacted by the lockdown to reach out.

There are no costs for anyone selling their products at Mr Brownie, and the venue has a takeaway liquor license. Spots are reserved for those in hospitality who have lost their job or income because of the pandemic. Singh says he’d like to give people stable ground to stand on during a stressful time.

“This coronavirus thing is day to day, so we just want to help give people some stability and peace of mind.”

Anyone who wants to use the venue to sell food, drink and other takeaway items can reach out here. Send some info about who you are, what you do, what you’d like to sell and how your employment has been impacted by the lockdown. Singh says anyone can come check out the venue in person and have a chat about setting something up.

Photography: Jake Roden