Scran season 9: The rise and rise of 'alcohol free' with Jump Ship Brewing and Sobr Bar Aberdeen

The latest episode of our food and drink podcast, Scran, is now live.

On this episode we're looking at going sober - yes it's all around us as Dry January takes hold and whilst it's not for everyone there is no denying it has become more and more popular in recent years.

I speak to two entrepreneurs about their alcohol-free businesses to hear more about this growing industry. 

First up I chat to Sonja Mitchell founder of Jump Ship brewing. A company born of a need for good quality, tasty, alcohol-free beer.  

Picture: Chris Watt Photography

Sonja shares how she came to set up the business, the challenges and ire she has faced since then, as well as the huge opportunity she has grabbed and where she plans to go with it next.

I also spoke to Kate Kenyon, founder of Sobrbar in Aberdeen, the city's first alcohol-free bar.  

Kate tells me how health challenges led to her giving up alcohol and how that, combined with a distinct lack of social spaces for those who prefer not to drink led to her opening the bar.  

She too has faced unwarranted criticism but despite this she has found there to be a really positive appetite for the service.

Happy New Year to all Scran listeners!

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39 Thistle St, Aberdeen AB10 1UY, UK
39 Thistle St, Aberdeen AB10 1UY, UK, AB10 1UY
Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
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