Whether you’re quitting for your health, your wallet, or your waistline, a break from the booze is always a good idea. That’s not to say it’s easy or particularly fun, though. If you’re looking for ways to stay sober and still be social, check out what these London restaurants have planned for Dry January.
Gillray’s Steakhouse
Proving that Dry Jan doesn’t have to be completely joyless, Gillray’s are serving a non-alcoholic G&T afternoon tea throughout January. Diners can enjoy views of the Houses of Parliament and the London Eye whilst enjoying freshly baked scones, sweet treats, and dainty sandwiches. Tea is priced at £39, including two glasses of Seedlip and tonic.
Skylon
Riverside restaurant Skylon is hosting a Seedlip x Skylon supper club on Tuesday 29th January. Guests will enjoy a delicious three-course menu created by head chef Helena Puolakka, plus expertly paired Seedlip non-alcoholic cocktails. Fabulous food on the banks of the Thames – now that’s something to smile about.
Roast
Seedlip strikes again at Roast, the iconic British restaurant overlooking Borough Market. Throughout January, non-drinkers can choose from three bespoke cocktails – a Blackberry Sour made with Seedlip Grove 42, a British Garden made with Seedlip Garden 108, and a Rose Martini which combines Seedlip Spice 94 and Seedlip Garden 108. Provided you’re not going vegan as well, why not try their famous pork belly or the dry-aged roast beef?
The Lamb & Trotter
Situated a stone’s throw from St. Paul’s, this City pub and restaurant is an ideal spot for a post-work pint or lunch with your work mates. If you can resist your usual tipple, there’s an excellent set menu on offer – 2 courses for £22 or 3 for £26, including an alcohol-free beer, soda or coffee. Choose from dishes like Cornish plaice with brown shrimp butter, chicken and ham pie, and apple and blackberry crumble.
Rovi
If you haven’t checked out this Ottolenghi-owned restaurant in Fitzrovia yet, January is a great time to do it. Perch at the bar for drinks and snacks or book in for dinner and try dishes like celeriac shawarma or squid and lardo skewers. Leave the low-intervention wines for another visit and enjoy a seasonal fruit pressé or a sage and mountain tea kombucha. We’re rather partial to their G & Teetotal – a convincing blend of citrus, light tonic, and their house-made juniper tincture.
Red Rooster
A night out in Shoreditch with no hard liquor involved? Yes, it can be done! Red Rooster serves two sober cocktails – the ‘Running Wild’, made with Seedlip Garden, and ‘Rooster Juice’, a blend of cold-brew tea, jerk syrup, and lemon. Priced at a fiver each, they’re easy on the wallet so you can splash some cash on the restaurant’s all-American menu. Shrimp ‘n’ grits, perhaps, or a whole fried chicken to share.
Angler
Executive chef Gary Foulkes has worked with Seedlip to curate an exclusive pairing menu, available until 10th February. If you’ve teamed up with some friends for Dry January, this could be the perfect excuse to get together and enjoy a special meal. Priced at £50pp, the menu includes Cornish mackerel tartare paired with a short sweet and sour drink made with Seedlip Garden 108, followed by Cornish red gurnard and rhubarb tart.
Still thirsty? Head to Ella Canta for fruity agua frescas or to Margot to try their signature Yellow Mary, made with yellow tomato juice. There’s even a booze-free Nearly Negroni on the menu at the American Bar at The Savoy.
How are you keeping busy during Dry January? Let us know in the comments.
