Soon to open on Aberdeen’s Thistle Street is SOBR, an art deco hospitality space being touted as Scotland’s first ever alcohol-free bar.
The venue, set to debut to the Aberdonian public on Wednesday 22 October, promises to offer an innovative range of health boosting non-alcoholic cocktails, and provide a ‘welcoming and safe space for all’.
SOBR is the brainchild of local entrepreneur, Kate Kenyon, who is self-funding the venture, on a mission to significantly increase the choice of zero drinks available to consumers in a bar setting.
Having suffered from kidney failure at a young age, which led to two separate kidney transplants, Kenyon is one of many people who have to restrict their alcohol intake for health reasons.
She’s also been inspired to bring this inclusive, alcohol-free space to Aberdeen because of her close friend Isla Nicoll’s journey to sobriety.
“I am incredibly excited to announce SOBR’s launch date,” said Kenyon. “This is my way of giving something back to Aberdeen.
“Having witnessed sober events and pop-ups in other locations, including LA, New York and London, I really feel that Aberdeen needs a venue like this.
“Thistle Street is the perfect venue for this business, home to many other incredible independent businesses,” she said. “Aberdeen is lucky to have this, and we need to all band together to make the very most of it, attracting customers to the City Centre.
“I believe that SOBR opening its doors is going to be very powerful, and potentially life changing for many.”
The general manager overseeing SOBR’s launch is Hayden Geraghty, who has more than ten years’ experience in the hospitality industry, and has worked with drinks consultant, Mark Robinson, to create a menu of functional, health boosting cocktails, described ‘as drinks with a purpose, to boost and revive’, making use of ingredients such as lion’s mane and activated charcoal.
However other choices on the zero alcohol list will represent ‘pure flamboyance’, with a range of seasonal and exclusive theatrical cocktails with flavour, texture and extravagant garnish, as well as non-alcoholic wine, spirits, beer, cider and a menu of non-alcoholic birthday ‘shots’.
Hot drinks, and local coffee from Figment will also be on offer, with fellow Thistle Street independent businesses, patisserie Almondine, and Turkish bakery Pera Palace, providing a range of snacks and treats.
Kenyon is also planning to collaborate with nearby independent businesses on events and pop ups.
“SOBR will be a home from home where you can put your feet up, relax and chill in a sophisticated atmosphere,” said Kenyon. “It’s a place for people to feel safe and included while still having an amazing night with great company. It’s something unique for the city.
“You can come to SOBR, have multiple drinks, and still feel positive,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for people to align their health goals with going out for a great night and still being able to fully function the next day.”
Health issues aside, Kate is identifying a shift in the younger generation whom she says are ‘thinking more about their health and stepping away from the binge drinking that my generation did’.
“More needs to happen to make it socially acceptable to say that you don’t drink, as it can still carry a lot of stigma.”
She sees another market for SOBR too – she hopes parents on the school run or new mums can pop in to the boutique surroundings for hot drinks, cocktails and snacks as a way of catching up with one another.
A 22-seater ‘boutique bar and exclusive use space’ at 39 Thistle Street, with an art deco inspired interior, themed on the building’s former use as a florist, will be open Wednesday to Saturdays, 2pm to 10pm, from next week.
“We can’t wait to show off the space, and see what everyone thinks of the concept,” she said.
“If things go well, I would love to open SOBR somewhere else in the country. Watch this space!”
