Having opened its doors in October, with the aim of providing a welcoming and safe alcohol free space for all, it would already appear that Aberdonians are wholeheartedly embracing the new way of enjoying a night out offered by SOBR Bar at 39 Thistle Street.
The brainchild of local entrepreneur, Kate Kenyon, the 22 seater boutique bar, with its stylish art deco inspired interior, is additionally making a name for itself as a thriving events space.
As Christmas approaches, SOBR is busy collaborating with other local organisations, and working its way through a calendar of events which include lively and topical “talks at the bar”, starting in January with Jade Auld of Scottish and Sober.
With general manager, Hayden Geraghty, in charge of SOBR’s impressive bar, customers can enjoy a wide ranging zero drinks menu, offering everything from non-alcoholic wine, spirits, beer, cider and cocktails, to a menu of non-alcoholic birthday ‘shots’. Functional, health boosting ‘cocktails’,” drinks with a purpose, are also proving popular. Looking to boost and revive, these make use of ingredients such as lion’s mane and Ashwagandha.
Independent food and drink businesses throughout the City, including patisserie Almondine and The Gourmet Cheese Company, are working with SOBR to provide a range of specially curated seasonal snacks and treats which customers can enjoy with drinks.
Kate Kenyon and Hayden Geraghty
Two Christmas wreath making sessions have been held in association with local florist, Flower Vogue, and antipasti specialists By Platter offering delicious nibbles to accompany.
Commenting on SOBR’s successful opening, Kate Kenyon said: “I am thrilled that SOBR has been so well received in such a short space of time. This is my way of giving something back to Aberdeen. Having witnessed sober events and pop-ups in other locations, including LA, New York and London, I felt that Aberdeen needed a venue like this.”
Stating that her growing customer base “is keen to fully embrace the concept of a bar without alcohol,” Kate continued by saying that she thought “a shift in thinking is definitely underway.”
“Having engaged with my customers, they are saying that they love that there's a wide range of drinks here without alcohol, that we hero independent food businesses in our snacks menu, and that there's no judgement or pressure here at SOBR – we are fully inclusive and welcoming to everyone,” she said.
“Custmers who don’t drink are not viewed as an afterthought here,” said Kate. “We value them, and want to delight them with our stunningly visual drinks.”
Paying tribute to her Thistle Street neighbours, Kate said; “Thistle Street is the perfect venue for SOBR, as it is home to many other incredible independent businesses. I wish to thank everyone in Thistle Street who has been so welcoming and supportive to myself, and our team, as we have bedded in here.”
“There's just so much scope here to collaborate with local businesses, and offer the customer something new and fresh. At the end of the day, SOBR is about bringing like minded people together,” said Kate, who volunteers with Aberdeen Inspired, an organisation which supported her in bringing SOBR to fruition.
“We’re hitting the ground running in 2026 with all that we have planned,” said Kate. “We look forward to welcoming more customers. If you've not tried SOBR yet, please come in and give us your feedback.”
She finished by saying: “If you're looking for a small event space to hire, we'd be delighted to host you here at SOBR. We still have some availability in the run-up to Christmas. We welcome collaborations on any food and drink offerings which could be part of that event too.”
SOBR is open Wednesday to Saturdays, 2pm to 10pm.
Further details www.sobrbar.co.uk.