Thistle Street alcohol free bar and events space is recognised in the UK Enterprise Awards.
Aberdeen’s SOBR Bar has been named a Trailblazer in the Low & No Alcohol Category of the UK Enterprise Awards 2026.
This latest recognition follows shortlistings in two prestigious licensed trade awards, the UK's Great British Pub Awards 2026, together with DRAM Magazine’s Awards, which named SOBR as one of the country’s Best Low & No Destinations.
An awards scheme introduced by SME News, a magazine launched in 2017 to inform, entertain, influence and endorse the start-up and SME business culture in the UK, the Enterprise Awards programme celebrates ambition, resilience, and outstanding achievement across the UK's vast business landscape.
From family run enterprises and fast-growing start-ups, such as SOBR, which was only launched last October, to more established SME’s, these awards recognise the organisations and leaders setting new benchmarks for success across a wide range of industries.
“As a small business trying something completely new in the city, and country, this recognition means the world to us. To be named a trailblazer in any field is a real compliment,” said SOBR owner, Kate Kenyon.
“We’re currently the only zero bar and events space in Scotland, although there are a few others across the UK. It’s a concept that is now growing fast, with huge potential.
“We have proved in just nine months of opening that there is a real need for a safe and inclusive place like SOBR, where you can enjoy a night out in a completely different, no pressure, way,” Kate added.
With SOBR additionally a vibrant events space, and available for private hire, Kate and her team have found that here's plenty of scope to run a variety of events for small groups. They’re also providing outside catering at festivals, and within other businesses.
“We have shown the doubters and the sceptics that a zero bar and events can be successful,” said Kate. “We have been extremely proactive over the past nine months, collaborating with other businesses in our area, and putting ourselves in the spotlight in various awards schemes.
“We were so pleased to be nominated in DRAM’s Best Low & No Category, earlier in the year, and in Best Bar in the UK Best Bar & Pub Awards, as this was in a general category, not one specifically for alcohol free establishments. Now, to pick up this accolade in the UK Enterprise Awards is absolutely fantastic. We are all beyond thrilled.”
In the UK Enterprise Awards, all judging is carried out by an independent and merit-based judging process, which evaluates each entry on business performance, customer recommendations and reviews, market impact, and visionary leadership.
“We have set the benchmark for other zero bars opening in Scotland,” said Kate. “In the meantime, we will continue to do our best, keeping industry standards high, and, as a trailblazer, reaching out to connect with new zero spirits entering the market.”
Busy across the summer, attending a series of festivals in the North-east, early August has seen SOBR bring The Secret Life of Dad’s viral sensation, Pints & Ponytails, to Aberdeen, teaming up with Bloom Lifestyle Salon, Secret Life of Dad’s and Jump Ship Brewing for a relaxed afternoon of fun, support and community.
A new summer menu, containing 12 “never before seen” cocktails, also launched in mid-July. Focusing on how the customer wants to feel, this new menu sees SOBR incorporate more functional tonics in their drinks than ever before.
A quarterly magazine, circulated to small business leaders and industry professionals, SME News supports the UK’s vibrant SME business culture. It’s owned by AI Global Media, a UK based publisher which has over 200 issues to its name since 2010.
Further details: www.sobrbar.co.uk.
https://smenews.digital/sme-news-awards/
https://smenews.digital/winners/sobr-bar/
SOBR is available for private hire and corporate events, Follow SOBR on socials to keep up to date with all planned events & happenings.