Where to Go Alcohol-Free in Chester for Dry January: Coffee, Cocktails and More

Chester is full of brilliant spots for anyone skipping the booze, whether for Dry January or all year round. From cosy speciality coffee shops to bars with grown-up mocktails and alcohol-free beers, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a great night (or day) out without a hangover.

Warming hot drinks

Chester’s independent coffee scene makes going alcohol-free easy, with cafes serving expertly made coffee, teas and indulgent hot chocolates. Jaunty Goat on Bridge Street is known for its speciality coffee, seasonal drinks and relaxed brunch vibe, making it a great base for a slow, alcohol-free catch up. Obscure Coffee on Lower Bridge Street focuses on quality beans, classic espresso-based drinks and cosy surroundings, ideal if you’re looking for a flat white, chai latte or hot chocolate instead of a pint.

Bean & Cole, Chalk Coffee, the Little Yellow Pig and fellow independents like these lean into crafted hot drinks, often with alternative milks, seasonal specials and plenty of space to linger. These spots are perfect if you still want that “going out” feel, just with a steaming mug in hand rather than a glass of wine. For many people doing Dry January, swapping an evening in the pub for an afternoon coffee date can make the month feel like a treat rather than a restriction.

If you’re craving something a little more indulgent, Knoops on Northgate Street is a must-visit. This luxury hot chocolate bar brings the accessible elegance of fine chocolate to Chester, offering expertly crafted drinks made from real chocolate flakes. With options ranging from creamy 28% white to deep, rich 100% extra dark, Knoops lets you tailor your drink to your taste – whether you prefer a classic hot chocolate, a refreshing iced chocolate or even a milkshake. Add a touch of “Knoopology” with flavour twists like sea salt or orange zest, and you’ve got the perfect comfort in a cup.

These inviting spots aren’t just ideal for Dry January, they’re also perfect for a post-Christmas debrief or catch-up with friends and family you didn’t quite manage to see over the festive period.

Mocktails with a grown-up feel

If you love the atmosphere of a bar but not the alcohol, Chester’s cocktail spots are increasingly offering inventive zero-proof serves. At Palm, you can expect colourful, Instagram-friendly drinks, often with alcohol-free options that mirror the classics with syrups, juices and sophisticated garnishes. High-street bars like Slug & Lettuce, The Botanist and Be at One, also tend to feature a dedicated mocktail list, so you can still order something shaken, stirred and topped with fruit, even if you’re avoiding the hard stuff.

Maray, Chester’s newest hotspot, offers an impressive range of no and low-alcohol options, including Crodino, a non-alcoholic take on an Aperol Spritz and the refreshing Pearsian Spritz, made with pear, ginger, sage and Noughty sparkling Chardonnay. Both are well worth a try!

Bars such as Turtle Bay and Watergates Bar are well placed for a city-centre night out without relying on alcohol, especially if you ask the team to recommend their favourite zero-proof choices. Many bartenders are now used to creating bespoke alcohol-free versions of popular drinks, meaning you can enjoy the same flavours and glassware as your friends, just without the units. It all helps keep nights out sociable and special, without feeling like you’re “missing out”.

Alcohol-free beer and spirits

For those who enjoy the taste of beer or spirits but not the after-effects, Chester’s pubs and bars are increasingly stocking alcohol-free alternatives. Specialist venues like That Beer Place, which focuses on a wide range of beers and ciders, are ideal places to look for 0% and low-alcohol bottles and cans from craft producers. At Telford’s Warehouse by the canal, you can soak up the live music and busy atmosphere while opting for an alcohol-free beer or soft drink instead.

Craft beer bars and traditional pubs such as The Corner House, Liquor and Co, Deva Tap, The Olde Boot inn and the Cavern of the Curious Gnome often carry at least one or two alcohol-free beers or ciders behind the bar. Many also serve premium softs, adult sodas and mixers so you can enjoy something more interesting than a standard fizzy drink.

This shift towards “mindful drinking” means that whether you’re doing Dry January, cutting back, acting as designated driver or simply don’t drink at all, you can still join in at the pub with a proper drink in hand.