Whether it’s part of an annual detox or you’ve decided tee-total is the way forward, Dry January is a time when lots of us are looking to cut down our consumption — if not cut it out completely.
And thanks to Gloucestershire’s cafes, restaurants and bars offering so many interesting alcohol-free options in January 2024, it needn’t affect your social life either. In fact, we’d make a special trip to sample some of these...
Sam's Montpellier in Cheltenham
One of Cheltenham's newest independent restaurants, Sam's Montpellier serves up a delicious menu daily, full of dishes celebrating earth, land and sea using fresh local ingredients.
Its popular happy hour offers a selection of elegant mocktails, from a tropical virgin colada to a rich non-alcoholic amaretto sour, each weekday evening from 5pm until 7pm.
The Old Stocks Inn at Stow-on-the-Wold
Overlooking the square, the Cocktail Lounge at The Old Stocks Inn at Stow-on-the-Wold is an excellent spot for people watching, serving bar snacks and small plates to keep customers going.
Head barman Pete prides himself on making the kind of cocktails you won’t find anywhere else and has come up with non-alcoholic creations like the Hip Hop and Mr Oxford, combining ingredients like rosehip syrup and almond — fancy!
The Rum Bar in Cheltenham
A new addition to the town in 2023, Cheltenham's The Rum Bar is a cool and cosy spot to chill out with a refreshingly mixed mocktail.
On offer, alcohol-substituted old fashioned's, spiced pineapple sour's and coconut mojito's — the talented bartenders are sure to be able to whip up something for you to sip and savour.
Stroud Brewery Taproom in Brimscombe
Certified B-Corp and proudly organic, Stroud Brewery creates refreshing and flavoursome beers through sustainable methods.
Visit its taproom in Brimscombe in Stroud for a cold glass of crisp non-alcoholic beer, St Peters 'Without', while enjoying one of its many regular events, from burger nights and singles suppers, to board game nights and live music evenings.
Daylesford Organic near Kingham
Daylesford Organic’s light and airy Legbar is open daily from 12pm and into the evening for drinks and nibbles from Wednesday to Saturday — and the list of non-alcoholic options on the menu is every bit as extensive as the range of alcoholic cocktails, beers and wines on offer.
Visitors will find everything from alcohol-free sparkling rosés to raspberry and elderflower kombucha, and even cold press nut blends for a January health kick.
MBB Brasserie in Cirencester
Belonging to the Kings Head Hotel, crowned winner of Bespoke Hotel of the Year in 2021, MBB Brasserie in Cirencester is open to both residents and non-residents — and all its cocktails are available as non-alcoholic versions!
Whether opting for a virgin Manhattan, margarita or espresso martini, the open plan layout means you can watch your drinks being shaken at the bar, while the expert chefs get to work on the rest in the open kitchen.
Bill’s in Gloucester
Alongside its range of low and no alcohol cocktails, juices and smoothies, Bill's has added a mindful drinking section to its Lo & No menu, offering mocktails and CBD drinks.
Containing an extract from the cannabis plant, the Elderflower and Mint TRIP and the Peach and Ginger TRIP are designed to help reduce stress and help you feel more balanced, both of which would be welcome after the frenzy of the festive season.
The Sober Parrot in Cheltenham
It doesn't get much drier than this — dedicated to supporting people in recovery but also welcoming a soft drink over a slice of cake or refreshing salad, The Sober Parrot is a completely alcohol-free premises, making it temptation free.
Delight over a Buddha bowl or crunchy sourdough toastie while you sip on a healthy smoothie, iced tea or homemade mocktail, like a glass of no-jito or pink fizz.
Memsahib's Lounge in Cheltenham
Not only does Memsahib's Lounge on Cheltenham’s Promenade make its own non-alcoholic gin, it also offers non-alcoholic versions of its unique gin-infused teapots for two — including sweet and sour blood orange.
Check out one of its signature non-alcoholic gin mocktails, including a Kolkata pink fizz with raspberries, rosemary and pink lemonade; and an emperor's garden with apple juice, lime juice and elderflower tonic.
The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold
A centuries old pub nestled in the Cotswolds, The Porch House is an inviting place to catch up with friends, spend quality time with family or enjoy a romantic date night by the open fire.
The pub has an extensive drinks list with both cocktails and mocktails to sip on. The non-alcoholic options include a virgin mojito, a passionfruit spritz and a virgin Mary.
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie in Cheltenham
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie has an impressive list of non-alcoholic cocktails to choose from, offering posh tipples from a pineapple and jasmine bubble tea to a virgin rossini.
Whether shaken with egg white or garnished with cucumber ribbons and edible flowers, they promise to be some of the most beautiful and authentic-looking mocktails around — Sir Rod Stewart approves!
The Farmer's Boy Inn at Longhope
A trip to a good old Forest of Dean pub doesn't have to be left in 2023, as The Farmer's Boy Inn offers a selection of non-alcoholic beers and ciders to wet your whistle alongside one of their epic pies.
Featuring zero per cent Doom Bars, Rekorderlig, Thatchers and Stowford Press, a crisp pint with family or a furry friend makes for a perfect afternoon.
Bath Road Beers in Cheltenham
As beer connoisseurs, the team behind Cheltenham’s Bath Road Beers have pulled together 450 of the finest beers and ciders from across the globe — including excellent alcohol-free brews.
Browse the shelves and pick out cans or bottles from brands such as neighbouring Bristol Beer Factory, Fruh from Germany and the Zero Gravity zero-alcohol beer from Gloucester Brewery.
The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham
Known for its vibrant dining atmosphere and traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, The Coconut Tree in Cheltenham has an incredible drinks list that is sure to ignite taste buds — with no threat of a post-feast hangover.
The list of Mocotails features intricately designed cups and glasses filled with mixes including a Fallen Porn Star, a virgin mojito with raspberry or passion fruit, and a pina colada zero.
