Aberdeen will soon see SOBR open its doors on Thistle Street this October. This will bring a new concept to Aberdeen’s nightlife, a 20-seat venue dedicated entirely to alcohol-free socialising. The opening times will be from Wednesday to Sunday, from 2 pm to 10 pm.
The idea comes from entrepreneur Kate Kenyon, who wanted to create a setting where guests can enjoy the atmosphere of a night out without the presence of alcohol. The inspiration, she explained, came from seeing content from innovative sober bars in cities such as Manhattan, Los Angeles and London, where style and inclusivity go hand-in-hand. The premise for SOBR was sparked by entrepreneur Kate Kenyon’s best friend, Isla Nicoll, whose decision to stop drinking became the catalyst for the venture.
Kate told Aberdeen Business News that the reaction to the project so far has exceeded all expectations. “The support has been almost overwhelming – from fellow business owners to people stopping me in the street, it’s been incredible. As someone just starting out, that kind of encouragement means a lot. I think people’s attitudes to socialising are shifting, and it’s been a surprise to realise how many don’t drink at all,” she said.
SOBR’s menu will span a wide selection of alcohol-free wines, beers, spirits, ciders, cocktails and even celebratory ‘shots’. Functional drinks designed to boost energy, support relaxation or aid detox will sit alongside locally roasted coffee and seasonal, theatre-style mocktails. To complement the drinks, a changing line-up of snacks from local food producers will also be on offer.
Kate told ABN, she hopes the venue will help challenge outdated attitudes towards socialising without alcohol. “I hope that SOBR will allow people to move away from the pressure that my generation grew up in,” she said. “We were very much about going out and abusing our bodies to ‘fit in’ and buckled under peer pressure. I want SOBR to be a safe space for people to step away from that pressure and just have a really great night – that’s what nights out are about: great company and a great atmosphere.”
While the full drinks list remains under wraps, Kate hinted at a creative and diverse offering. “We haven’t finalised our menu, so I can’t give too much away yet,” she said. “But the cocktail menu will have a few aspects to it – functional drinks, your classics, and drinks that give you the ‘wow factor’.”
Designed by interior designer Angela Shaw, the venue will feature a moody, cosy and romantic aesthetic with art deco influences. Hospitality professional Hayden Geraghty will serve as general manager, leading a small team to deliver the concept.
For Kate, the business also has personal significance. Having undergone two kidney transplants and faced significant health challenges, she wanted to create a venue that aligns with her values and supports Aberdeen’s independent hospitality scene.
Looking ahead, she has ambitious plans. “We have so many plans for SOBR. We’d love to see the bar grow and have another venue, but right now, we’re focusing on local events with some of the amazing businesses in the city centre,” she said. “I want people to remember how great Aberdeen is and bring them back in. After all, now they can have a great non-alcoholic drink and get home safely afterwards.”
