A new concept bar focused entirely on alcohol-free drinks opened in Aberdeen this week. SOBR, at 39 Thistle Street, is believed to be the only dedicated sober bar currently operating in Scotland.
The 22-seat venue, which includes a custom-made bar and a ‘Lovers Neuk’ double seat along one wall, is the work of local entrepreneur Kate Kenyon, who has self-funded the project. She has brought together a small team to create an inclusive, zero-alcohol space that functions as both a bar and an events venue.
SOBR serves a full menu of non-alcoholic beer, wine, spirits and cocktails, as well as a selection of hot drinks and snacks supplied by nearby independent businesses. The cocktail menu has been developed by General Manager Hayden Geraghty and consultant Mark Robinson, and includes what they describe as “functional, health boosting ‘cocktails’, drinks with a purpose, to boost and revive”, using ingredients such as lion’s mane and activated charcoal.
Kate, who has undergone two kidney transplants, said the idea was inspired by her own health journey and a desire to create a safe, welcoming space for anyone choosing not to drink.
“I am incredibly excited to announce SOBR’s launch date. 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. 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,” she said. “I believe that SOBR opening its doors is going to be very powerful, and potentially life changing for many.”
Explaining that she had seen her friend, Isla, “really thrive and become the best version of herself since giving up alcohol”, Kate said there would be no pressure to drink at SOBR, only the “warmest welcome possible”.
“SOBR will be a home from home where you can put your feet up, relax and chill in a sophisticated atmosphere. 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.”
Kate said she had frequently noticed a “very restricted selection of non-alcoholic drinks options” when out with Isla, and wanted SOBR’s clientele to feel both valued and good about their choices.
“I think SOBR will mean so much to people who can’t or don’t want to have alcohol and still want to be like other people – to go out and have a drink, but can’t for whatever reason. It’s also a safe space for people who maybe don’t realise they are addicted to alcohol.”
She also noted a wider shift in drinking culture. “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 said. “The younger generation are thinking more about their health and stepping away from the binge drinking that my generation did.”
Kate added, “If things go well, I would love to open SOBR somewhere else in the country. Watch this space!”
Support for the project has come from Aberdeen Inspired, the city’s Business Improvement District, with whom Kate is a regular volunteer.
Picture: Owner Kate Kenyon and Bar Manager, Hayden Geraghty. Credit: Danuta Dobrzanski.