By Amelie Patel, Second Year, English Literature
According to recent data shared with Epigram by Student Beans, a third of student union bars don’t offer non-alcoholic beers or ciders, despite 66 per cent of students saying they would try them. A ‘sober-curious’ student mentality is growing across the UK and requires reciprocating venues to host them. Luckily for Bristol students, there are a few forward-thinking venues – such as the Balloon Bar – embracing drinkers and non-drinkers alike.
For many students, the pressure to drink feels inseparable from the idea of student life – but this expectation is changing. A Drug and Alcohol Impact national survey found that 27 per cent of students in the UK currently don’t drink alcohol. Sober groups are on the rise, offering a space for non-drinkers to connect with like-minded individuals. The sober and sober-curious women’s community, Sober Girl Society, endeavours to support younger generations on their sober journey countrywide, offering an equally trendy and exciting alternative to drinking-oriented student circles. On a more local level, Bristol’s Sober Circle provides a means for Bristol students to make real-life connections through sober socials.
With the rise in sobriety and sober curiosity, venues across Bristol now provide a range of non-alcoholic drinks – with some making notable efforts to ensure everybody is catered for.
The Balloon Bar is a must-try. Whether you’re in the mood for lagers, ciders, or a refreshing mocktail, their menu is filled with choices. Speaking to Epigram, the bar noted their recently introduced draft, vegan, zero per cent beer – something they are ‘very proud of.’ They see the rise of non-alcoholic drinking moving in the same way as veganism: once niche, now mainstream. In further remarks, they asserted that catering for non-drinkers is important to them on a personal level, with many of their employees being sober or sober-leaning themselves.
Even though the clientele the Balloon Bar has amassed from their non-alcoholic options is small, it is nonetheless a key demographic in their mission towards inclusivity. They noted that the post-lecture, 6 pm crowd are the ones typically engaging with their zero per cent options.
As well as endeavouring to become a more inclusive space, the Balloon Bar demonstrates its commitment to social responsibility by stocking Clearhead – a non-alcoholic beer from Bristol Beer Factory. The company donates a portion of Clearhead’s sales to mental health charities, creating a thoughtful connection between the bar’s beverage options and mental health support.
Overall, the team are hugely enthusiastic about the future of their non-alcoholic drink menu. In the manager’s own words, the selection is only going to get ‘bigger and better!’ In honour of dry January, they offered a 25 per cent discount on Clearhead, Thatcher's Zero and their mocktails.
Outside of the student bar, many pubs in Bristol are beginning to take their first steps toward introducing non-alcoholic options.
Some establishments, such as The White Harte, have their beverage information is available online, which is hugely helpful for those looking to sus out an alcohol-free option – though among pubs and bars, this is not the done thing. Few drinking establishments in Bristol display this crucial information online, preventing students from checking if they are catered for before hitting the town. With sober curiosity on the rise, places that embrace inclusivity stand to foster stronger, more diverse communities for drinkers and non-drinkers alike.
The Den and Terrace is a great venue for non-alcoholic drinkers and were keen to speak to Epigram about their non-alcoholic menu additions. Currently, the bar offers three non-alcoholic beers, a Guinness 0.0%, alcohol-free cider, and even a zero per cent amaretti to elevate their mocktails. They are regularly expanding their selection, having recently added Asahi Zero in response to customer demand. Although some of their additions are more of a value-add, the bar sees it as worthwhile considering their own approximation that one person in every group will choose a non-alcoholic drink.
Further out, in Bristol’s city centre, a more eclectic crowd can find non-alcoholic beer at The Beer Emporium or Left Handed Giant, which boasts a selection of no less than three non-alcoholic beers, cementing its place as a must-visit for sober or sober-curious students.
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Overall, Bristol’s non-alcoholic scene is growing, with passionate venues like the Balloon Bar leading the charge. While some establishments still have room for improvement, the rising demand for sober spaces shows that drink inclusivity is here to stay. So, whether you’re sober, sober-curious or simply looking for a one-off sober night out, Bristol has something for everyone.
Featured Image: Epigram / Nel Roden
Would you try a non-alcoholic drink?
