Having received a very positive response to its first informal “talk at the bar” event, SOBR Bar, Aberdeen’s alcohol-free bar, has announced dates for two more talks.
The inaugural event saw Ellon mum, Jade Auld of @scottishandsober, hold court with an engaged audience keen to find out more about a life of sobriety.
Next on the bill on Thursday 9 April is Kim Lam, who is currently one of many who find themselves waiting for an unspecified time on the organ transplant list. Kim, who currently lives with COPD, will share her story about her health condition and how chronic illnesses do not always look lonely but often feel like it. She will also discuss why spaces like SOBR matter now more than ever.
Lam will be followed by fellow Aberdonian Sarah Rochester on Thursday 28 May, another well-known speaker on the sobriety and wellness circuit. Her mission is to tell people that they do not need a reason to stop drinking, and that it can be a positive choice they make for themselves. This brought her to the attention of Aberdeen’s TEDx platform in 2022, where she joined a list of live speakers.
Influencer, Mikey Banks, who documents his inspiring journey without drink, will also stage a talk at SOBR later in the year.
“Our schedule of “talks at the bar” is really taking shape,” said SOBR owner, Kate Kenyon. “Jade kicked things off in style, with a lively talk which attracted a full house. As we suspected, there is a real interest in stories like hers. People love to hear an open and honest account of struggles with addiction, and how they have been overcome.
“We look forward to hosting Kim and Sarah and will announce a date for Mikey later in the year, along with a number of other guest speakers. Mikey is another highly inspiring individual who will attract a strong following.”
Whilst the events side of SOBR has been going well, Kate has been building her own reputation as a podcaster, having been a guest on the Scran Scotsman Food & Drink podcast, where she discussed the increasing popularity of alcohol-free drinks.
Kate also found time to attend the recent Sober-Ness Festival in Inverness, an event facilitated by the Highland Well-Ness Collective to support anyone looking to focus and bolster their wellbeing, and the “sober curious”. Giving a presentation on alcohol-free drinks, she hosted an interactive masterclass where participants were given the opportunity to prepare some of SOBR’s signature cocktails themselves.
“I am really enjoying presenting and podcasting,” said Kate. “I welcome any approaches from relevant organisations, whether media platforms, charities, corporate or other groups who would like me to come and give a talk, host a masterclass or take part in a podcast.”
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Tickets for both Kim and Sarah’s talks will be available soon on the SOBR Instagram page, with a glass of non-alcoholic fizz included in the price.
Further details: www.sobrbar.co.uk
