As the New Year rolls in, many people choose to take part in Dry January—a month-long challenge to abstain from alcohol and reset their drinking habits. But giving up alcohol doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavour or the joy of socialising. Across Kent, a growing number of independent businesses and pubs are stepping up to offer exceptional alcohol-free alternatives. Whether you’re looking for sophisticated mocktails, alcohol-free craft beers, or refreshing soft drinks, Kent has plenty to offer. Here are some of the best places to enjoy Dry January without missing out. 1. Wise Bartender (Online) This independent online retailer specialises in alcohol-free beverages, offering a vast selection of products from alcohol-free spirits to craft beers and wines. Wise Bartender makes it easy to explore new favourites from the comfort of your home. Their curated Dry January packs are perfect for those looking to stock up on delicious alternatives. 2. Fentimans Drinks (Stockists across Kent) Fentimans’ range of botanically brewed beverages is a fantastic choice for those seeking premium alcohol-free drinks. From the zesty ‘Rose Lemonade’ to the classic ‘Victorian Lemonade’ (my personal favourite), these drinks are widely available at independent shops, cafes, and pubs across Kent. Look for them in farm shops or alongside pub menus. 3. YE OLDE CHEQUERS INN (TONBRIDGE) This cosy Tonbridge pub takes Dry January seriously, offering an extensive menu of alcohol-free beers, ciders, spirits and soft drinks. The friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for meeting friends or relaxing with a good book while enjoying a pint of non-alcoholic Guinness. 4. The Nelson Arms (Tonbridge) Consistently CAMRA award winning and known for their extensive selection of beers, The Nelson Arms also offers non-alcoholic options that don’t compromise on taste. Their alcohol-free craft beers are selected with the same care and attention to detail as their alcoholic counterparts, providing a satisfying alternative. 4. Verdigris (Tonbridge) Verdigris take their wine and cocktails as seriously as they do their food here, stocking a wide range of fine wines and spirits, while using only freshly squeezed juices and the best mixers. Their Virgin cocktail range is hands-down the best in Tonbridge, featuring everything from Nojito to a classic Shirley Temple. Why Support Independent Businesses During Dry January? Supporting local, independent businesses helps sustain Kent’s vibrant economy while encouraging innovation and diversity in the drinks market. By choosing independent retailers and pubs, you’re contributing to a community of passionate makers and entrepreneurs who value quality and sustainability. How to Make the Most of Dry January Celebrate Sobriety in Style Dry January doesn’t have to be a month of abstinence—it can be a celebration of flavour, health, and community. Kent’s independent businesses and pubs make it easy to embrace this challenge with delicious alcohol-free options. So, raise a glass (of alcohol-free fizz, of course) to a healthier, happier start to the year!
Tag: low alcohol
How low can you go?
Happy New Year to you all! I am grateful that we got to spend it out of the house this time around, even if half of people did have to cancel due to Covid-19 🙁 For those of us lucky enough to party the night away, how many of us said ‘I’m never drinking again!’ the following morning? I know a whole bunch off us fall into that category but rarely try and see it through. For a number of years now, I’ve taken part in Dry January. Getting though a full 31 days without wine is certainly a challenge but this time, I’ve managed to convince some friends to join me on the journey. Thankfully, the low and no-alcohol market has exploded in recent years but until recently it was hard to find these alternatives out and about in Tonbridge. Fear no more, Tonbridge has more alcohol-free options than you can shake a stick at! First up is the wonderful Beer Seller. They’re currently stocking: Adnams Ghost Ship 0.5% – which also happens to be vegan for all of those doing Veganuary! Athletic Brewing Co Run Wild IPA 0% To make things even more exciting, they’re getting in a whole bunch of alcohol-free spirits in too, so watch this space. Now I don’t know about you, but most alcohol-free wines I’ve tried over the years have been, quite frankly, DISGUSTING! Thankfully this has now changed with the arrival of Lyre’s sparkling wine at Verdigris. It is Prosecco-style, genuinely delicious and restores my faith in humanity. Verdigris are well known for their cocktails too and currently have three beauties available on the menu including: Gin Faux – with Seedlip, lemon and soda Three Hayes Spritz – Three Spirit Livener, grapefruit and soda Driver – with Aecorn Aromatic, orange and vanilla Their menu is constantly in development, so who knows what might pop up next?! Now we all know that the Camra award winning Nelson Arms is famous for its beer. Surely they don’t have any decent low/no-alcohol options too? I am happy to be proved wrong. Their selection is being constantly updated, but here’s some of what’s available at time of writing: Warsteiner Fresh 0% Sussex Best Low Alcohol 0.5% Erdinger 0.4% They also have a selection of alcohol-free spirits available too. Unfortunately, due to that darn virus, some people are stuck indoors for a time. This doesn’t mean you need to miss out on some tasty beverages! Tonbridge’s own Master of Malt has a cracking selection that you can get right to your door. There are way too many to list here, so feel free to check our their selection here. So now the challenge is to go and try it all! See you out there fellow challengers.