Drinking has been considered a social activity ever since humans discovered that sugar in food could be converted to alcohol through fermentation prior to 13,000 years ago, according to Jane Peyton, alcoholic drinks educator and writer.
“Consuming alcohol was also a ritual because alcohol was believed to be a gift from the deities,” she says. “Groups would gather round a large container of alcohol and communally drink through straws.”
Over the centuries, alcohol has remained an important part of society, but since the early 2000s, alcohol consumption in the UK has actually fallen, with young people in particular normalising sober lifestyles. “[Sober curiosity] has been growing over the past 20 years, with the popularity of ‘wellness’ as a lifestyle,” says Jane.
Dan Seymour, 24, not only started going to the pub sober, but also by himself. “I wanted to be able to be comfortable in my own company and be a more authentic version of myself without the alcohol,” he says.
“In the past five years the no and low alcohol sector has grown hugely,” says Jane. “The products are varied and offer people an adult choice of drink – by that, I mean that no and low options are no longer just fruit juices or soft drinks that children drink.”
Here are five of the best low or no alcohol venues for when you’re solo and sober in the Big Smoke.
The Lucky Saint
For a classic pub vibe, The Lucky Saint offers its own 0.5 per cent ABV beer, which is classified as “de-alcoholised” in the UK. It’s still got the refurbished wood, gold lamp fixtures and alcoholic drinks seen in most London pubs, but this venue was born out of a desire to welcome sober drinkers and offer them a seat at the bar.
Where: 58 Devonshire St, London W1W 5EA
Find out more here.
Little Bat Bar
This creative cocktail venue gets its name from Alice in Wonderland’s poem, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Bat.” This hip Islington joint is a solid brunch choice, with its vast menu extending to its array of drinks. It can make all of its cocktails with Seedlip spirits, a non-alcoholic spirit brand.
Where: 54 Islington Park St, London N1 1QL
Find out more here.
Nightjar
You’ll have to work to find this speakeasy’s plain wooden door, but once you’re in, you can celebrate the roaring ‘20’s in style. Its drink menus are categorised by Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition, Post-War and Nightjar Signatures, so you’ll find plenty of low and no alcohol drinks on offer.
Where: Carnaby at 49-51 Kingly St, Carnaby St, Carnaby, London W1F 9PY and Shoreditch at 129 City Rd, London EC1V 1JB
Find out more here.
Club Soda Tasting Room, Bar & Shop
Without a doubt, this venue has one of the most extensive low and no-alcohol selections you’ll ever see. Sign up for a masterclass or tasting event and choose between over 150 brands, meeting new people along the way.
Where: 39 Drury Ln, London WC2B 5RR
Find out more here.
Bonus: House of Happiness
For those who still want the endorphin hit of a clubbing atmosphere, House of Happiness offers an alcohol-free experience complete with seasonal and pride events. Its inclusive atmosphere makes it a great place to go solo, which is what Claira Hermet, 40, did in the video below.
“Everyone was dancing and they seemed unburdened by giving zero f***s to what anyone else might think…it felt like a safe place to let loose and be authentically me,” she said in her Instagram post.
Where: It varies, so keep up with its upcoming events.
Find out more here.
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Does one of these venues interest you? Odd One Out is offering trips to these venues throughout 2024. Check out our Membership Page and secure a ticket.