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If you’re looking for a fun and fulfilling way to spend January without alcohol, London has plenty to offer. With a vibrant landscape of bars, events, and sober activities, Dry January provides the perfect opportunity to explore the city’s unique offerings. From immersive speakeasies to alcohol-free lounges, you’ll find that engaging socially without a drink in hand can be both enjoyable and memorable. Get ready to discover creative mocktails, exciting activities, and ideas for sober dates, all just a stone’s throw from Thistle London Bloomsbury Park.
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If you’re searching for the best bars for Dry January in London, you’re not alone. Whether you’re a regular at Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel, a local exploring new options, or a first-timer eager to try “dry January activities London,” this city is brimming with creativity for sober socialising. Being sober or sober curious in central London isn’t about missing out, it’s your ticket to discovering unique venues, world-class mocktails, and memorable moments, all right on the doorstep of Thistle London Bloomsbury Park.
Start your Dry January journey within walking distance of Thistle Hotel Bloomsbury Park, and you’ll quickly see that being alcohol-free doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines. London’s finest dry bars and lively alcohol-free events are all close by. Whether you’re flying solo, joining friends, or planning a quirky sober date, you’ll find plenty of flavour (and fun) without the booze.
Here’s your insider’s guide, shaped by real local experience and cultural flair.
Step below Soho’s bustling pavements into a 1940s-themed speakeasy, Cahoots. Set in a disused underground station, this bar is famous for its tongue-in-cheek nostalgia and immersive atmosphere. For Dry January in London, Cahoots offers a dedicated non-alcoholic menu in partnership with Seedlip. If you crack the morse code printed on your mocktail glass, you’ll win a surprise complimentary alcohol-free drink.
Why go: It’s interactive, atmospheric, and the non-alcoholic cocktails hold true to Cahoots’ playful vibe. The quirky décor is great for photo ops, perfect for a memorable night out or a light-hearted sober date.
Nearest tube: Oxford Circus/Tottenham Court Road
Find more about the venue at their own site: Cahoots Underground Bar
Tucked in Covent Garden, Club Soda Bar & Shop is Europe’s first permanent alcohol-free bar. With over 150 alcohol-free options on the menu, you can try everything from spirit-free “gins” and craft beers to elegant sparkling teas. Tastings, pop-ups, and ‘Meet the Maker’ nights make every visit different.
Why go: It’s a hub for dry January activities London likes to shout about. Try flights of no-alcohol drinks, chat directly with the makers, and discover new brands in a stylish, welcoming setting.
Nearest tube: Covent Garden/Holborn
Drop in for free tastings at their official venue site.
This three-floor Chinatown gem, Opium, is known for its creative mixology and plush booths, and it doesn’t disappoint for Dry January. Special alcohol-free cocktails appear on the menu throughout the month. One favourite: The Passiflora, passion fruit and vanilla syrup with citrus and spice.
Why go: You’ll feel the buzz of Chinatown in an atmospheric, low-lit setting. It’s easy to relax, and the non-alcoholic drinks are as inventive as the classics.
Nearest tube: Leicester Square
Browse the latest menus at the Opium website.
Oriole sits in the heart of Covent Garden and is famed for its globally inspired, zero-proof cocktails. Sip on a Caloocan Cooler (jasmine tonic, white peach, lemongrass) or a Bulletproof Martini, no alcohol, all intrigue. The bartenders are genuinely passionate about their craft, and the menu proves it.
Why go: The mood is both lively and welcoming. Their alcohol-free options feel genuinely special, not tacked-on. It’s an ideal stop for both sober activities London locals love and for international visitors seeking new tastes.
Nearest tube: Farringdon/Chancery Lane
Menu inspiration at their venue homepage.
In Deptford, Jazu Bar is a leafy, upbeat space known for Sentia Spirits, mood-boosting drinks. A Ginger Mule or their comforting Honey Lemonade are top picks. Regular live jazz and events round out the experience.
Why go: It’s the spot if you want the feel of a proper cocktail bar without the headache the next morning. Creatives and locals mingle amid exposed brick and lush foliage.
Nearest tube: Deptford/Deptford Bridge (DLR)
Check hours and drinks at jazubar.com.
Marylebone’s Boxcar Bar & Grill makes Dry January punchy. Their ‘Mocktails that Wow’ menu is a short list, but every drink packs a punch, try the Boxcar Sour (Everleaf Marine, green tea, jasmine). The relaxed grill menu offers plenty for lunch or brunch.
Why go: Friendly and informal with clever alcohol-free options, this is a place to meet a friend for a festive catch-up and not feel left out.
Nearest tube: Baker Street/Marylebone
Menus and booking at Boxcar Bar & Grill.
London’s thriving food and drinks scene is just one part of a vibrant sober January. Try these extra activities, perfect for both locals and visitors.
Romance doesn’t need bubbles in your glass! Our guests, especially those staying for business and leisure, regularly ask for sober date ideas London couples can truly enjoy. The solution: let the city do the sparkling.
The perfect base for dry January activities in London is undeniably Thistle London Bloomsbury Park. Nestled between the West End’s theatres, literary Bloomsbury, and Covent Garden’s culinary discoveries, our hotel is minutes from every major sober experience mentioned here. Comfortable, contemporary rooms offer a welcome haven after a full day (or night) of exploration.
Why stay here? A prime location means less time travelling, more time soaking up sights and scenes. With friendly, informed staff always ready to recommend the next must-try mocktail or quirky activity, you’re all set for a memorable and easy-going visit, whatever brings you to central London.
Ready to step out of the ordinary? Book your stay at Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel and let us be your trusted, local guide to all that’s exciting about a January done differently.
Dry January is a campaign encouraging people to take a break from alcohol for the month of January. It’s designed to give your body a rest after the festive season and discover new social scenes, like the best sober bar London has to offer.
Yes, but in a friendlier, more relaxed way than during holiday party season. Weekday evenings and weekends can fill up fast, especially at in-demand spots like Club Soda and Cahoots.
Of course! Most venues offering no- and low-alcohol menus serve a full range of traditional drinks as well. Everyone feels welcome and included.
It’s highly recommended, especially for workshops or events. For most Central London venues, walk-ins are fine earlier in the week or before 6pm.
A sober rave is a party or club night where no alcohol is served, just bold music, energetic dancing, and creative drinks. They’re growing fast in popularity, especially during dry January in London.
Beyond mocktail bars, you’ll find cooking classes, immersive theatre, comedy shows, and wellness experiences—all designed to skip the booze without sacrificing atmosphere or fun.
Absolutely. With its central location, a short walk from nearly every major sober activity on this list, Thistle Bloomsbury Park Hotel gives you flexibility and friendly expertise. You’ll get the best advice from locals who know the city inside out.
Mix up your evenings: try something different each time, from a museum event one night to a floating bar the next. Invite friends to join and check local event calendars for the latest happenings across the city.
