Aberdeen’s Thistle Street has welcomed a striking new addition with the launch of SOBR , Scotland’s first alcohol-free bar.
The intimate 22-seater venue combines health-conscious innovation with a sumptuous Art Deco-inspired interior that’s as photogenic as it is inviting.
Housed in a former florist, SOBR’s design cleverly nods to its past life through rich botanical motifs and soft, nature-inspired textures. The space, brought to life by Angela Shaw Interiors, celebrates contrast – deep forest green walls anchor a palette of blush pinks, gold accents, and warm amber lighting. Together, they create a space that feels both glamorous and grounding — a fitting reflection of founder Kate Kenyon’s mission to offer an inclusive, mindful alternative to traditional nightlife.
Custom-built banquettes in pink faux leather and patterned velvet bring a tactile energy to the room, while plush seating, curved glass tables, and art pieces provide personality and playfulness. Abstract portraits in vivid magentas and pastels line the walls, their modern edge balanced by the vintage brass wall sconces and layered lighting.
Even the ceiling, finished in soft coral, contribute to the warm, cocooning atmosphere that makes the venue feel instantly welcoming.
The bar itself is the centrepiece with a softly illuminated fluted front panel and glass shelving lined with alcohol-free spirits, beers, and aperitifs. The reflective surfaces and underlighting give a sense of movement and life, ensuring that the absence of alcohol doesn’t mean an absence of sparkle.
Beyond its visual appeal, SOBR is designed with comfort in mind. A “Lovers Neuk” double seat invites quiet conversation, while thoughtful details, from handbag storage to lush greenery, reinforce the sense of care underpinning the concept.
Each corner feels considered, and every finish tells a story of the partnership between local trades and craftspeople, from Aberdonia Joinery Services to Marley Fowler Electrical and John Wedderburn Painting. Kate’s personal journey with kidney illness and her friend’s path to sobriety deeply influenced the creation of SOBR.
The result is both a bar, and a safe, inclusive place where wellbeing, community, and creativity come together.
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 2–10pm, SOBR offers a range of functional, health-boosting cocktails made with ingredients like lion’s mane and activated charcoal, as well as locally roasted coffee from Figment , and artisan snacks from neighbouring independents Almondine and Pera Palace .
Events, collaborations, and pop-ups are also planned. Stylish, soulful, and purpose-driven, SOBR marks a bold step for Aberdeen’s hospitality scene – a design-led destination proving that sobriety can be as elegant, social, and satisfying as any night out.
