Off the booze? Here are 7 of the best low and no alcohol bars in London & UK-wide

Booze-free bars are a joy – here’s our pick of the menus

Whether you’re sober for fertility reasons, whole-body health, you’re already pregnant, or you just don’t drink, there’s never been more choice for low and no alcohol hangouts.

You’ve probably sussed out a few favourite brands for supermarket stock-ups. I stack my basket with Equinox Orange & Yuzu Kombucha (divine), plus anything I see by REAL for crisp, dry bubbles, for some starting inspo.

But alongside in-store, it’s nice to have a few really fantastic options for drinks out with friends – plus date nights – where you know there are gorgeous flavours on the menu, making your experience just as (if not more) special.

We’ve teamed up with Wilde Toast to bring you our pick of the best, across the UK’s capital, plus a few UK-wide favourites to round off. Not London-based? DM us your city on Insta, and we’ll pull together a follow up hotlist.

Cheers, and let’s go.

Club Soda, Drury Lane

Club Soda is pretty-much the UK’s most established destination for low and no drinking. Nestled in the heart of London’s Theatre District, their Tasting Room features a curated collection of over 150 leading brands.

And by curated, we mean it changes every week. With new options popping up to sample at no cost, Club Soda is the perfect place to work out what you like and get familiar with the leading booze-free brands, before committing to an in-supermarket purchase, or hitting bar menus elsewhere.

From their exceptional range of alcohol-free beers, wines, spirits to premixed cocktails, soft drinks, mood enhancers, and a variety of low-alcohol options, it’s all here.

My booze-free pick: The Herbal Iced Tea, for an aromatic and refreshing take, made with Everleaf Forest, Botivo, wine syrup, Dr Zero Amarno and light tonic.

The Lucky Saint, Marylebone

You’ll probably know the super-popular, alcohol-free beer – Lucky Saint is widely available across the UK – but what about their extra-special pub? The Lucky Saint team have lovingly restored a historic London pub, reimagining it for the modern drinker.

Located in the heart of Marylebone, The Lucky Saint pub features a superb selection of both alcohol-free and alcoholic drinks, along with a light menu of pub classics. We love a blend of both worlds – where the space offers something delicious for everyone involved – and this gorgeous venue is just the thing.

Their event space is also available for private hire, making it an ideal spot for team days or after-work socials, all with the cosy ambiance of a traditional pub.

My booze-free pick: One of the Lucky Saint Serves, starting with the Michelada, made with Lucky Saint, chilli, lime and hot sauce.

Swift, Borough, Shoreditch & Soho

You’re never far from a Swift bar, or so they say. This perfectly formed trio of gorgeous bars offers a few of the finest cocktails in Borough, Shoreditch, and Soho, whether you’re going for a low, no or ‘regular’ alcohol option.

Dishoom, UK-wide

We all know Dishoom, for all the right reasons. But beyond cult hits like the bacon naan roll and black dal, there’s a whole world of low and no alcohol drink options to fall in love with, steeped in the tradition of The Permit Room.

With Bombay under a state of prohibition since 1949, the team at Dishoom bring decades of culinary know-how to their sober drinks list, ask to see the full menu of Teetotal Tipples or browse their star players ahead of time.

From the smoky, shandy-like No-Permit Collins to a Teetotal Espresso Martini, you’re spoiled for choice.

My booze-free pick: The No-Permit Collins, which really is quite shandy-ish, super-refreshing, and made with sparkling darjeeling green tea, smoky lapsang, and Kingfisher 0% lager, with lemon and a dash of maple syrup.

Christina’s, Shoreditch

Tucked into The Mondrian, Shoreditch, Christina’s is a vibrant and welcoming addition to East London, highlighting local suppliers and brands with a commitment to social impact.

From morning coffees to evening cocktails, when you hit this coolly gorgeous space, you’re in for a real treat. As they note on their menu, the emphasis here is on locally-sourced products from independent suppliers, farmers, growers, producers, startups, and socially conscious brands.

Look out for guest lagers, a range of kombuchas and sodas, and a carefully-edited alcohol-free cocktail menu.

My booze-free pick: The Cornish Mary, a genius take on the traditional Bloody Mary, stirred with Pentire Seaward, Mushroom Garum, Townsend Farm apple cider vinegar, tomato and Christina’s house-made hot sauce.

Hawksmoor, UK-wide

Whether it’s client drinks, a big birthday, date night or family time (my friend swears by Hawksmoor for being fabulous with littles), Hawksmoor needs no introduction.

But, potentially one of their best-kept secrets, the Lo & No Alc menu is one to have on your radar for, as they put it, what to drink when you’re not drinking.

A pared-back but impressive list of cocktails kicks things off, finishing with a couple of yummy sodas and the Cornflake Milkshake, for something kitsch.

My booze-free pick: The Water St Fizz, which features my personal favourite Three Spirit Livener, sour watermelon, yuzu and Coast soda.

The Ivy Asia, UK-wide

There really is so much to choose from at The Ivy Asia, from weekend brunches and afternoon tea, to a la carte dining, cocktails and even a bubble tea cocktails option, for summer 2024.

Over on the drinks menu, you can choose from a range of soft drinks and beer, plus all of the teas and a couple of gorgeous juice and smoothie options.

Putting all of that aside, if you’re at The Ivy Asia you’re likely in want of a cocktail. And their non-alcoholic menu is pretty-much a one-way ticket to the flavours of Asia – think lychee and rose, cherry blossom, citrus and ginger.

My booze-free pick: The Dreams of Cherry Blossom, for its combo of Everleaf Mountain, grape juice, cherry blossom, lychee and citric blend.

Top tips for going low to no

Straight from the experts at Wilde Toast, here are a few going for it pointers, whether you’re a sober-curious, committed or temporary ‘non drinker’.

1. Ask the bartender what drinks on their menu they can make booze-free – with the rise of non-alcoholic spirits it’s now easy to replace key white spirits with a non-alcoholic version.

2. Check the sugar content – this doesn’t mean asking how much sugar is in each drink, but just bear in mind that alcohol-free cocktail menus traditionally hinge on fruit and sugar, as key components.

3. Try before you buy – if you’re not sure about a new flavour or low to no alcohol brand, a good bar will be keen for you to sample before you order, rather than sending your drink back. Or if not, ask them to recommend an option, based on your tastes and preferences.

There we have it – our pick of the low to no alcohol hangouts in London, with a few UK-wide options in the mix too. Keen for another booze-free city guide? DM us on Insta, with your requests and top picks.