Who says Dry January has to be dull? From zero-proof zingers to alcohol-free artistry, London’s most iconic bars and restaurants are proving that ‘NoLo’ (no and low-alcohol drinks) can be just as thrilling as their boozy counterparts. Buckle up, because here’s your guide to the finest NoLo experiences in the city.
Oriole, Covent Garden
Hidden in the heart of Covent Garden, Oriole – the brainchild of the team behind Nightjar and Bar Swift – is making Dry January a celebration with their Bulletproof Martini (£5, served in The Bamboo Bar).
This coffee-kissed, silky-textured marvel blends inspiration from classics like the Bamboo and Espresso Martini, Nepalese butter tea, and Bulletproof Coffee. The result? A creamy, nuanced delight sweetened with kuromitsu syrup and finished with nitrogen for that dreamy velvet finish.
Non-alcoholic stars include:
• Caloocan Cooler: A tropical burst with Three Spirit Livener, lemongrass beer, and jasmine tonic.
• Serra Do Mar: Think eucalyptus cordial and salted pineapple soda for a refreshing hit.
• Royal Crescent: A botanical beauty with Seedlip Garden and bean blossom.
Kitchen Table, Fitzrovia
At Kitchen Table, Chef James Knappett’s two Michelin stars meet sommelier Sandia Chang’s artful NoLo pairings. Expect drinks so refined you’ll forget they’re booze-free.
Highlights include:
• Forelle Pear: Pear verjus and oak-chip infusion? Yes, please.
• Oyster Leaf & Samphire: A briny, citrusy delight with a sherbet zing.
Nessa, Soho
In the chic embrace of Nessa, Dry January feels like a breezy night out rather than a month-long endurance challenge.
Try:
• Check It Out: Pentire Adrift mingles with raspberry and Noughty Chardonnay.
• Timeless: A blend of Everleaf Forest, vanilla, and ginger beer that’s anything but ordinary.
Pair these with Executive Chef Tom Cenci’s bar snacks (Cheese & Onion Croquettes, anyone?), and you’ll forget alcohol ever existed. Well, almost.
Mauro Colagreco at Raffles London at The OWO
Wine Director Vincenzo Arnese has created an exceptional Temperance Pairing (£60pp) alongside sparkling teas and mocktail magic.
Top picks include:
• Smokey Carrot: CROSSIP Dandy Smoke meets carrot and sea buckthorn.
• English Garden No-Tini: A celeriac leaf twist on Seedlip 108.
• Sea Breeze: Everleaf Marine and Cedro sherbet make waves here.
Dry January has never tasted so good.
JOIA Bar, Battersea
Perched on the 14th floor of art’otel Battersea, JOIA Bar isn’t just about sweeping views – it’s about jewel-inspired cocktails curated by Bar Manager Panos Ntalianis.
Standouts include:
• Rubi: Roots Divino Rosso meets hibiscus and peach soda.
• Heliodoro: A gingery, citrusy delight starring Pentire Adrift.
100% nice, 0% naughty.
Inko Nito, Soho
Inko Nito (the cheeky younger sibling of Roka and Zuma) knows how to bring fun to the NoLo scene.
Try these standout sips:
• Inko Shiso Spritz: Elderflower and shiso create botanical harmony.
• Cocorella: Coconut, kabosu lime, and a ginger ale fizz.
• Apple, Yuzu, Ginger & Coriander Juice: A zesty, aromatic burst of freshness.
Playful? Yes. Delicious? Absolutely.
Cornus, Belgravia
For a refined twist, Cornus swaps cocktails for a cold brew tea pairing (£20pp) by Lalani & Co. Think fine wines but… tea.
Expect:
• Japanese Green Tea: A 2023 Okumidori Kabusecha beauty.
• Taiwanese Oolong: Floral, smooth, and endlessly sippable.
• Nepalese Black Tea: Bold and complex – perfect with a five-course tasting menu.
Oh, and mark your calendar for 16th January – Jameel Lalani hosts an exclusive tea-pairing dinner (£150pp).
Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, North Yorkshire
In the stunning Yorkshire countryside, Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall offers a non-alcoholic pairing that feels like a love letter to nature.
Expect ingredients sourced straight from their garden, with creations like:
• Green Tea, Sorrel & Apple: Fresh and bright.
• Kombucha & Hazelnut: Earthy and intriguing.
• Kenilworth Ceylon with Blackcurrant: A refined finale to your meal.
Who says fine dining needs wine?
From nitrogen-charged martinis to oolong tea pairings and creative botanical concoctions, London’s NoLo scene isn’t just holding its own – it’s leading the charge. So go ahead, raise a glass this January… no hangover attached.
