London, and let’s face it the UK in general, has quite a boozy reputation. Yet, more people are either cutting down on alcohol or cutting it out altogether.
But whether you’re sober, an occasional drinker or hopping on the latest trend of zebra-striping (yes, it’s a thing – involving alternating booze with non-alcholic drinks on nights out) you deserve to have more options than lime and soda and sugary soft drinks.
Luckily, pubs, bars and even some off-licences in the capital have hopped on the low-no-alcohol bandwagon. Whether you like mocktails with complex flavour profiles or just fancy a pint of something non-boozy on draught, the absence of alcohol doesn’t have to mean a lack of great choice.
Here’s our round-up of the best places in London for the non-drinkers and the sober curious.
The Devonshire, Soho
Soho may be notorious for its drinking dens, but there are places to go to sip alcohol free drinks in this part of town. The Devonshire is the notable for being the UK’s first pub to serve zero-percent Guinness on draught, thanks to Irish landlord Oisín Rogers
It’s a much-loved Soho pub, and also notable for its food, with a restaurant and grill room specialising in meat and seafood.
Address: 17 Denman Street, London, W1D 7WH
The Lucky Saint, Marylebone
One of the leading low and alcohol-free brands in the UK, Lucky Saint has smartly opened its own pub, in the swanky Marylebone area no less. Like most of the pubs and bars featured in this article, there’s something for non-drinkers and drinkers alike at The Lucky Saint.
It’s a cosy, old pub with a decent range of low and no beers on tap and in cans, including of course Lucky Saint lager and IPA, as well as Asahi Super Dry, and Tiny Rebel Tropicana. There’s also wine alternatives including NV Eins Zwei Zero Riesling and Dry Dragon Kombucha, and mocktails including Elderflower Spritz, and Pentire Paloma.
For the drinkers in the group, there’s a vast menu of beers, wine, spirits and cocktails too. Food wise, the menu is mostly bar snacks and small plates for sharing.
Address: 58 Devonshire Street, London, W1W 5EA
The Earl of Essex, Islington
Islington is another great area for pubs. Tucked down a residential street, you’ll find The Earl of Essex, with a whole low and no alcohol section on the drinks menu. It’s a delightful, Georgian pub where low and no alcohol-free fave Lucky Saint is available on tap, as well as Bruno – Lust for Life IPA, Butcombe Brewing Co Goram IPA, and Rothaus Pilsner.
The range of soft drinks is decent too, including Crodino Aperitivo, Square Root Sodas, and a couple of non-alcoholic cocktails. It’s an extensive menu, but it’s safe to say, there’s pretty much something for everyone at this lovely Islington pub.
Address: 25 Danbury Street, London, N1 8LE
Club Soda, Tasting Room, Bar & Off-licence, Covent Garden
One of the definitive places for the sober curious in London — Club Soda is dedicated to mindful drinking and has established a place for people to meet and sample low and alcohol-free drinks together.
The shop and tasting room has over 150 options to choose from including signature cocktails like the Everleaf Forest Spritz, and Fig and Rosemary Spritz as well as craft sodas (including CBD drinks and Kombucha) wines, spirits, beers and ciders.
Club Soda also hosts some great events including tailored tastings and alcohol-free masterclasses, and the regular Sober AF Poetry.
Address: 39 Drury Lane, London WC2B 5RR
Mikkeller Bar, Hackney and Exmouth Market
Trendy Danish brewing company Mikkeller has two pubs in London. The original is in Shoreditch, and the second, in Exmouth Market is owned by 80s popstar Rick Astley.
It’s definitely one for the craft-beer heads, and the prices reflect that. But, there’s a good selection for non-drinkers including Drink’in the Sun, Weird Weather hazy IPA, Easy Peasy and Burst Free and a small selection of fruity, sour beers too including Raspberry Rush and Energibajer.
Hackney: 2-4 Hackney Road, London, E2 7NS
Exmouth Market:37-39 Exmouth Market, London, EC1R 4QL
Raven Records, Camden
For those who like their drinks soft but their music a bit tougher, head to metal-loving Raven Records. It’s a heavy-metal record shop with its own cafe and bar, and is actually the world’s first alcohol-free metal bar.
Niche enough? The music is heavy and the alcohol-free drinks menu is extensive, with everything from 0% whisky to beers including Smashed and Doom Bar Zero, as well as CBD sodas, and even zero percent tequila.
There’s also a fine selection of dark-hearted hot drinks including teas such as Blood Ritual (mostly hibiscus and red berries), Monkey’s Paw, and Behemoth pour over coffee.
Address:24 Camden Road, London, NW1 9DP
The Owl & Monkey, Kensington
If you’re more into botanicals than beers, cocktail bars are getting better at catering for non-drinkers. Kensington bar The Owl & Monkey has a dedicated alcohol-free menu with favourites such as Espresso Martinis where the only buzz you’ll get is from the caffeine, as well as Virgin Marys, and French Kisses.
Address: 21-23 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4JJ
