Scotland's first-ever alcohol-free bar gearing up to open in Aberdeen

Scotland’s first-ever alcohol-free bar is gearing up to open its doors in Aberdeen.

SOBR will introduce a new way to enjoy the city’s nightlife when it opens its doors on October 22.

Situated on Thistle Street, the boutique bar will offer a range of drinks, including “health boosting cocktails” with ingredients such as lion’s mane and activated charcoal.

Owner Kate Kenyon was inspired after seeing sober nights in places like London, LA and New York on social media.

The idea came after Kate had given up alcohol following a series of health issues, including two kidney transplants.

“I just wasn’t enjoying drinking anymore, but I’d also had E. coli 0157 when I was younger, which led to sepsis and then chronic kidney disease.

“My first kidney failed when I was 19 and studying at college,” she explained.

“As a student, you’re drinking and going out a lot, and although alcohol wasn’t the whole reason my kidney failed. It couldn’t have been different if I’d taken care of myself better.”

She was also inspired after seeing a friend benefit positively from giving up alcohol.

“My friend gave up alcohol cold turkey and noticed some unhealthy patterns, and after that, she got promoted and ran a half-marathon; it made a huge difference to her life.

“She’s been a massive inspiration to me.”

When the pair went out for a cocktail, they struggled to find a place where they could enjoy a non-alcoholic drink that wasn’t one of the usual soft drinks.

“We just didn’t feel catered to with alcohol free options.

“We really missed the specialness of sitting at a nice bar and drinking a cocktail. It was a shame to miss out on that, so that really spurred me on with this idea,” she explained.

“I wanted an inclusive space for people who didn’t drink for whatever reason.

“I’m intolerant to alcohol, but people can be allergic. There’s such a rising trend where people drink zebra stripes on their nights out. There’s a demand for something that’s just as good as an alcoholic drink.”

Kate has big plans for the bar following its launch next week, and hopes to do private events.

“We could offer an alternative night out for people with their work colleagues. Bridal showers and baby showers are also an option, as we say, for pregnant people. They can feel really special without the side effects,” she added.

She has also been working with local groups to plan paint and sip nights, as well as game and quiz nights.

For now, Kate and her team are working hard until the last minute to make sure everything is perfect for the launch.

“I couldn’t have done it without the team, they’ve put so much attention to detail, even down to picking the perfect toilet brush,” she said.