Having hosted an alcohol-free cocktail masterclass at the recent Sober-Ness Festival in Inverness, together with participating in a live podcast, the founder of Aberdeen’s SOBR Bar, Kate Kenyon, has spoken of how much she valued the opportunity to take part in both events.
With several podcasts now under her belt, including The Scotsman’s Scran Food and Drink podcast, Kate is looking for more. She is also planning to start masterclasses and tasting events for small groups within SOBR itself in the next few months.
An event facilitated by the Highland Well-Ness Collective,and co-designed and delivered by community project, the Highland Sober Collective, the Sober-Ness Festival offered a mix of daytime and evening events, including a ceilidh, silent disco, dance class and creative workshops.
Kate, who was accompanied by her close friend, Isla Nicoll, who embraced sobriety to improve her life and in many ways inspired Kate to set up SOBR, hosted a well-attended Cocktail Masterclass, showcasing zero spirits such as Crossip, ANON, and Wild Eve.
After sampling SOBR’s signature zero cocktails, those attending the masterclass had a go at mixing them up themselves, with Kate’s expert instruction and drinks supplied by ANON, Base Spirits, A.S Apothecary, Crossip and Fever-Tree.
During her visit to the Sober-Ness Festival, Kate also took part in a live podcast recording with Headspace Highland.
Laura Johnston-Scott, the founder of the Highland Well-Ness Collective, commented on Kate’s participation, saying: “Our sincere thanks go to Kate for making the trip north to host this extremely informative masterclass which was very much enjoyed by everyone. She is a natural at both presenting and podcasting. We really appreciated her input. Overall, the event was a success, with our fantastic contributors making the day what it was. We would welcome Kate’s future collaboration in other events of this nature.”
Kate Kenyon said: “I really enjoyed taking part in Sober-Ness. It’s a fantastic initiative which offers support and guidance to those wishing to explore ways to live well without alcohol, with a focus on boosting their overall mental health. Events like this will really help make the shift in society we are seeking. Laura, and her team, are to be commended for bringing together such an inspiring group of partners from across the Highlands. Isla and I had the best weekend with like-minded people.”
Focused on improving mental health and well-being with person-centred therapeutic activities and creative outlets, Highland Well-Ness Collective has the goal of developing safe resilience and self discovery, through collaboration, connection and community.
Providing person-centred, trauma-informed counselling and wellbeing initiatives, the Highland Well-Ness Collective supports individuals to strengthen emotional resilience, self-understanding, and connection. Work centres on creating safe, non-judgemental spaces, ensuring services and projects are accessible, regardless of background or circumstance. Alongside counselling, the Collective delivers community-based wellbeing events and collaborative projects that support mental health, reduce isolation, and promote sustainable ways of living well. Leading therapist and Founder, Laura Johnston-Scott, works closely with Therapist, Kate Thompson.
Now firmly a part of the growing movement towards more mindful, inclusive ways to socialise, SOBR continues to carve out welcoming spaces where alcohol is not the default, and where everyone belongs.
The bar has kicked off 2026 with new pop-ups and partnerships, including engagement with gyms in Aberdeen, and a soon to be named new mental health charity tie up.
Its series of “Talks at the Bar” started in January, with Aberdeen mum and instagrammer, Jade Auld, of @scottishandsober headlining a lively and inclusive debate.
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Tickets for the next scheduled Talks at the Bar at SOBR – Kim Lam on Thursday April 9 and Sarah Rochester on Thursday 28 May, will be available shortly on the SOBR Instagram page, with a glass of non-alcoholic fizz included in the price.
If you are interested in an event or masterclass at SOBR, please email events@sobrbar.co.uk.
