A Lego-themed bar is coming to Sydney – and the toy company is not impressed

Grand plans get foiled by pesky intellectual property laws once again.

Don't drink up ... yet. Source: Getty images

It was a great, if short-lived, idea. A new pop-up venue called Legobar was slated to open in Sydney this autumn, allowing visitors to both play with Lego and drink at the same time. Choking hazards notwithstanding, it sounded like an ideal spot to unleash some pent-up creativity, world-build and unwind with friends.

Here's the bar's pitch, as stated on its website: “How long has it been since you pulled out your building blocks, rounded up your friends and sat around crafting castles, ships and whatever else you can imagine? If you’ve been waiting for an excuse, this new pop up Adult playground might just be what you’re looking for."

A new pop-up bar plans to play with the Lego concept. Source: AAP/Kristina Stedul Fabac/PIXSELL

There was just one problem – but it was a big one. Legobar never actually got permission or approval from Lego, which just so happens to be one of the biggest toy companies in the world. Needless to say, the brand found out about it.

While it didn’t quite get to the cease-and-desist level that Biëryoncé unlocked, Lego definitively blocked the organisers from claiming any affiliation with the brand. “The event you’re referring to is not affiliated with the Lego group,” head of marketing Angie Tutt tells SBS. “As a manufacturer of children’s toys, it’s not within our remit to partner with brands or individuals operating in the food and beverages sector. Our primary focus is on inspiring and developing children through providing fun and engaging play materials.”

Well, there you go.

All hope is not lost, however. The team behind the pop-up bar decided to change tack, adopting the moniker The Bricks Bar instead. Great news for kidults everywhere – you’ll still be able to play with blocks and drink cocktails come autumn. Just don’t expect the blocks to be officially associated with Lego.

The event you’re referring to is not affiliated with the Lego group … Our primary focus is on inspiring and developing children through providing fun and engaging play materials.

At the time of writing, SBS was yet to receive a comment from The Bricks Bar team, but we’re keeping our eyes glued on The Bricks Bar website for news and updates.

Tickets will be sold on a first-in, best-dressed basis, so register your interest today.