Scotland’s first ever ‘sober’ bar has opened in Aberdeen, providing the city centre with a unique alcohol-free experience.
SOBR prides itself by focusing on company over alcohol, with its website suggesting that they provide the benefits of traditional drinking – such as connections, fun and community – but without the typical disadvantages that come with alcohol consumption.
Sober activities and experiences have witnessed a surge in popularity over the last few years, with more people choosing sobriety than ever before, including Gen Z.
However, alcohol is still often hailed as an important part of the student experience, despite efforts to move student focus from alcohol when joining university. The Aberdeen University Student’s Association, for example, has attempted to pivot attention away from alcohol for new students by hosting a range of alcohol-free events for freshers during ‘Welcome Week’, transitioning away from the traditional ‘fresher’s’ ethos of heavy drinking and partying.
The Gaudie spoke to Kate, SOBR’s director and owner, about how this new Aberdeen business can be appreciated by students when drinking is such a traditional aspect of student life:
“Drinking is embedded in British culture. It’s what we’ve done for a millennium; it’s how we socialise. Younger generations now understand the importance of their health far more than my generation, and previous, making them less likely to binge drink and go out on ‘traditional’ students’ nights – and kudos to them!
Kate explained that even sober students still “very much need a social outlet”. She continued:
“And that’s where SOBR comes in. We combine both our love for going out, connecting and having a great time with a great drink, while staying healthy and boosting your mental health through being social.
SOBR offers a space where you can still have all the fun, energy, and social buzz of a night out, just without the hangover or pressure to drink.”
We spoke to Amy, a second-year social sciences student, who has doubts about the new ‘bar’.
“I like the concept, but I just don’t see the difference in just going to a regular bar and having a non-alcoholic option, like juice or an alcohol-free beer.”
The Gaudie asked Kate about this issue directly:
“The difference is in the experience. At SOBR, everything is designed around the idea that alcohol-free doesn’t mean compromise. Unlike most bars where non-alcoholic options are an afterthought, our entire menu is built to celebrate flavour, craftsmanship and quality.
Beyond the drinks, it’s about the atmosphere. It’s a venue where being alcohol-free isn’t unusual; it’s the norm, and that creates a completely different kind of energy.”
Finally, Kate shared about SOBR’s ethos:
“At SOBR, our ethos is simple: you don’t need alcohol to have a great time. We’re here to redefine what socialising looks like by creating a space where connection, creativity, and conversation thrive, all without the downsides of drinking.
Whether you’re sober, sober-curious, or just want a night where you remember every conversation, SOBR gives students a fresh alternative.”
The Gaudie spoke to our own Editor-in-Chief, Nour Elshenawy, about her experience at SOBR:
“My boyfriend and I went for our anniversary – the staff were incredible. They gave us free bubbles; we each ordered a drink which we both thought were high quality and tasted fab!
We also got the macaroons; they were great, and I loved that they always source local. I personally loved the idea, a nice night out with drinks laughter and love without the hangover the next day AND I remembered everything the next morning.”
SOBR can be found on 39 Thistle Street, Aberdeen.