January can be the perfect time to reset, try something new and explore different ways to enjoy going out – and for many, that includes taking part in Dry January. Rather than missing out, it’s a great opportunity to discover just how good low and no alcohol drinks have become.
We’ve put together a roundup of some of the best Cheltenham bars and cafés offering delicious low and no alcohol options. So next time you’re out with friends at the weekend and fancy a drink, why not try one of these delicious alcohol-free alternatives instead?
The Alchemist Bar & Restaurant
The Alchemist in Cheltenham's Brewery Quarter is a stylish, apothecary-style cocktail bar and restaurant known for its show-stopping cocktails. Their creative concoctions are served with smoke, flames and other surprises to add a touch of drama to your drink – whether it comes with or without alcohol.
This January, The Alchemist have partnered with TRIP and non-alcoholic spirit makers Sipsmith, CleanCo, Pentire and Botivoto to create four special mocktails with the Alchemist’s signature creative flair. They include Rhubarb Lava, a refreshingly tangy drink using Clean G Rhubarb, TRIP Elderflower & Mint Sparkling CBD and rhubarb syrup, theatrically served with dry ice.
Flight Club
Also found in the Brewery Quarter, Flight Club combines fun Social Darts games with expertly crafted drinks and shareable food in a lively, fairground-inspired setting. It's a great place for a night out with friends in Dry January and beyond, with a range of low and no-alcohol beers, ciders and spirits available.
Enjoy a Twilight Spice using Three Spirit Social's cacao, damiana and lion's mane mushroom-infused spirit mixed with lime and ginger beer for a non-alcoholic take on a Dark 'n' Stormy. Or let the bartenders whip up an alcohol-free version of your favourite cocktail.
Images feature Memsahib’s Lounge teapot cocktail, The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie, Creative cocktails at The Alchemist, Bristol Beer Factory’s Clear Head
Memsahib's Lounge
Memsahib's Lounge, tucked away just off Cheltenham's Promenade, is a cosy and welcoming underground bar and restaurant serving inventive tea-infused drinks alongside Indian-inspired sharing plates.
As well as their range of seasonal teas, their signature teapot cocktails can be enjoyed with or without alcohol. Choose from watermelon, blood orange or our favourite the Cucumber Teapot. This crisp, clean concoction, beautifully presented in a transparent teapot, blends subtle mint and basil notes with a refreshing elderflower and cucumber mix.
The Ivy
The Ivy Montpellier Brasserie is an all-day dining restaurant inside the stunning Grade I-listed Montpellier Rotunda building. Alongside their menu of modern British and international classics, their range of alcohol-free drinks comes packed with flavour.
They feature non-alcoholic drinks like Lyre's Italian Orange, Tanqueray 0% gin and Wild Idol's naturally alcohol-free sparkling wine to add a touch of sparkle to Dry January. Our pick is the exotic Dove 42, crafted with Seedlip Grove 42, yuzu, hibiscus and Fever-Tree Pink Grapefruit Soda for zesty citrus flavours and a balance of bitter and sweet.
Bath Road Beers
If you prefer beers to cocktails, Bath Road Beers have you covered. This local independent business is run by a passionate team of beer connoisseurs. The team have handpicked 450 of the world’s finest beers and ciders, among them a selection of low and no alcohol options.
They include Clear Head by the Bristol Beer Factory. At 0.5% ABV it’s not strictly an alcohol-free beer, but it does help raise funds for the mental health network Talk Club. This golden amber beer features citra and mosaic hops for a plenty of punch, as well as lactose for a subtle, smooth creamy sweetness.
Dunkertons
Award-winning cidery Dunkertons on the edge of Cheltenham know everything there is to know about making cider. And they’ve put that expertise to good use in creating their first-ever alcohol-free cider, which is available exclusively at Dunkertons Park.
Dunkertons Zero was a year in the making and is crafted from a blend of 16 organic apple varieties to give it the same depth of flavour as their regular ciders, just without the alcohol. It’s perfect for anyone doing Dry January or looking for a refreshing non-alcoholic drink any time of year.
