Woman smiling and drinking a mocktail

Meet Jo.

Jersey's queen of sober fun.

My name’s Jo, also known by some as Sober Jo, and back in 2019, I took on a charity challenge – one year without alcohol, raising money for a local charity, Friends of Jersey Oncology. At the end of the year, I handed over a massive cheque to the charity for over £15,000 – I also decided that my life was better without alcohol. More than three years have passed, and I am now a local ambassador for the mindful drinking movement, lobbying for better choices, hosting events and helping others through mentoring and coaching on their sober journey.

As someone who likes to go out and socialise, I’m always on the lookout for the best bars and restaurants where you can enjoy an alcohol-free day or night out in Jersey. Whether you are sober, sober curious, mindful, pregnant, designated driver, or fancy a break from the booze, here are some of my cocktail recommendations and where to go…

Secret Speakeasies.

Discover the hidden world of Jersey’s secret speakeasies, ready to welcome you for a night of alcohol-free indulgence.

A selection of non-alcoholic drinks on a bar

Project 52

Find them, and you’re in! This speakeasy bar is hidden down Waterloo’s cobbled street. Buzz the bell, and as long as there isn’t a private party on, the team at Project 52 will welcome you with a fantastic selection of alcohol-free drinks.

I used to love Espresso Martini, and they do a fantastic alcohol-free version – the Espresso Martin(ish). The coffee buzz without the alcohol.
Gin and Rum based cocktails are created using alcohol-free ‘ish’ spirits. If you like bubbles, they have Noughty, an alcohol-free sparkling wine and for the beer lovers amongst you, there is a selection of alcohol-free Brewdog beers. Enjoy whilst playing giant Jenga or attempting to get the ring on the hoop (warning – this game is seriously addictive).

Hand holding a non-alcoholic cocktail

The Porter's Store

If Speakeasies are your thing, I have another one for you to discover. The Porter’s Store sits under the historic Pomme D’Or Hotel in St.Helier, and it oozes cool. Head down the stairs and feel transported to a bygone era with a contemporary twist – reminding you that the party definitely isn’t over!

You can get alcohol-free bubbles and wines, and they do a number of their signature and twisted cocktails adapted to be alcohol-free using Lyres AF range of spirits. I love the Wharf Street Whisky Sour served over a giant ice ball.

It’s a perfect place for a drink or two before dinner. They also serve up delicious sharing platters, so if you’d rather settle in for the night you can do that too!

A night on the tiles.

I recently hosted a Sober Session takeover event at Krafty J’s, a night out-out without alcohol.

This buzzing bar is located in the heart of West Centre on Bath Street. Sit outside in the sunshine or get cosy inside whilst enjoying tunes and entertainment from local DJs. Krafty’s offers a fantastic alcohol-free range of cocktails from Lyres, and they like experimenting with new brands when they launch too; there is also a range of craft beers and bubbles.

Sober by the sea.

Head to the pretty seaside village of St. Aubin or the picturesque harbour of Gorey to discover some of the best sober seaside spots on the island.

Mark Jordan at the beach

An award-winning restaurant with a beachside view serving top quality produce and served in a relaxed, casual setting. The perfect place to spend a summer’s day, watching the world go by and enjoying alcohol-free cocktails and a range of AF wines selected to complement the menu.

Salty Dog

Asian inspired dishes, with fresh local produce, washed down with a Gimber on the rocks AF cocktail – delicious! Their alcohol-free menu is constantly being added to with new products to try – wines, beers and who’s up for Pimm’s O’clock? It can be any time when it’s an alcohol-free alternative!

Sumas

For a special occasion, Sumas is my go-to out East. It’s the opposite side of the island from where I live (I know – nine by five miles, but it’s not on my doorstep), and it feels like I am on holiday when I go there. Expect incredible views of Gorey, fabulous food, and a range of alcohol-free cocktails.

Sip and dine.

From luxury dining to cosy pubs and grills, there’s a host of Jersey restaurants fully on board the sober train. Whatever dining experience you’re looking for, you’ll be sure to find your sweet sober spot.

Luxurious restaurant dining room

Cheffins.

You have the choice between a comfy, cool pub on one side or a fancy restaurant on the other. The food is exceptional, which is essential as when you are not drinking, you savour your food! In the pub, expect to meet a furry friend or two, the only hair of the dog needed for those not drinking alcohol! The team here also use Real Kombucha to create their alcohol-free cocktails. They have AF wine and beer, and their tonic water selection is excellent; I love the Sparkling Lime and Jasmine tonic water by Fentimans served in a goblet gin glass.

Luxurious dining room

Samphire

Whether you want to dine out in the main restaurant or enjoy drinks on the garden terrace, Samphire offers a beautiful space to enjoy lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner or drinks. My favourite drink on the menu is the Italian Bitter Spritz, but they have a variety of AF cocktails to choose from! I also love the Virgin raspberry daiquiri and the Butterfly mojito.

Burger and alcohol free beer

Liberation Group pubs & restaurants.

My favourite Liberation Group pubs are The Square, Trinity Arms and the Old Court House. Alcohol-free cocktails that you can enjoy morning, noon or night include Seedlip Garden, Virgin Mary, and Apple Spice. A grown-up experience without the side effects. They also serve their own brewed Liberation Zero, one of my favourite alcohol-free beers. I worked at the brewery ten years ago, and I love still being able to enjoy a locally brewed beer.

Woman standing in the doorway to a bar

Want to stay in? 

Club AF (clubaf.co.uk) and Clarity Wine (claritywines.je) are specialist low and no alcohol online retailers and will deliver to your door, and the Co-op’s range is growing daily if you want to grab a bottle on the go.

The Movement 

Many places are adding alcohol-free alternatives to their menus, so this list grows by the day! I am constantly reviewing these on my blog and social pages. I also host local ‘Sober Session’ events, alcohol-free events at different locations around Jersey, bringing like-minded people together for real connection and making memories that we won’t forget! Keep an eye out for updates.

Follow me over on Instagram, Linkedin, Facebook, Twitter > @realsoberjo |  soberjo.com