Dry January London: a Fresh Start to the New Year

As we step into the new year, many of us are looking for ways to reset our habits and embrace a healthier lifestyle. One initiative that has gained popularity in recent years is Dry January, an alcohol-free challenge that invites participants to take a break from drinking for the month. If you're in London and considering joining 'the movement', here's everything you need to know about Dry January. Whether you're participating solo or with friends, there are plenty of exciting alcohol-free activities to enjoy in the city.

What is Dry January?

Dry January is a public health campaign aimed at encouraging people to abstain from alcohol for the entire month of January. Launched in 2014, it not only helps participants reset their drinking habits but also raises awareness about the effects of alcohol on health and wellbeing. If you live in the city, this is definitely an opportunity to focus on London activities that reflect a healthier, more conscious lifestyle.

Enjoy alcohol-free wine with Brigit's Bakery

At Brigit's Bakery, we believe that enjoyable experiences shouldn't have to come with compromises. That's why we're excited to introduce Wild Idol alcohol-free wine to our offerings!

Created for those who appreciate good taste and want to enjoy life fully, Wild Idol is the perfect beverage for anyone participating in Dry January or simply looking for a delicious drink without the alcohol.

Produced with the utmost care and precision, Wild Idol showcases an exceptional blend of Merlot and Müller-Thurgau grapes sourced from the esteemed winemaking region in southwest Germany. These grapes are chosen for their naturally fruity flavours and aromatic qualities, making sure that every sip delivers the joy of a fine wine experience without any downsides.

Wild Idol is created using traditional winemaking techniques, yet it remains entirely alcohol-free thanks to a unique process that eliminates fermentation. This means you'll enjoy genuine purity and the authentic taste of wine. It makes for a fantastic choice for celebrating key moments with friends and family.

Whether you choose to join us on any of our Afternoon Tea Bus Tours or visit our Brigit's Bakery in Covent Garden, we can guarantee that sipping Wild Idol while enjoying our delicious menu will leave you feeling satisfied and rejuvenated. We firmly believe that this sophisticated alcohol-free option is the ideal accompaniment to our afternoon tea for anyone taking part in Dry January.

And if you're alcohol-free and eat and drink halal all year round, Wild Idol alcohol-free wine beautifully complements our halal Afternoon Tea offering.

Family-friendly tours for Dry January

If you're participating in Dry January, why not take this opportunity to treat the family for a fun-filled day in London? At Brigit's Bakery, we offer a range of themed family-friendly tours that are perfect for creating memorable experiences without the need for alcohol.

Here are some fantastic options for you to consider:

• PAW Patrol Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. Join the PAW Patrol on an exciting mission to find Mayor Goodway and Chickaletta in Central London. Hop aboard our iconic red Routemaster bus for a tail-wagging adventure, complete with pup-tacular views of landmarks such as Big Ben and the River Thames. Each child receives a PAW Patrol Activity Book. Plus, onboard entertainment with sing-alongs and games makes sure everyone has a great time.
• Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Bus Tour. For fans of the beloved cartoon character, the Peppa Pig Afternoon Tea experience is a must. With stunning views of iconic landmarks, dedicated entertainment, and interactive guided animations, this is the perfect introduction to afternoon tea for your young ones. Each child will also take home a Peppa Pig travel cup and activity book as a special keepsake.
• Paddington Afternoon Tea London Sightseeing Tour. Step into the world of Paddington Bear with our unique Paddington Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. With entertaining stories from Paddington and a built-in animation guide on each table, this tour brings the beloved bear's adventures to life as you take in the sights of the city. Perfect for families with children aged 5+, this tour guarantees fun for all ages.
• MONOPOLY London Tea Tour. Combine a classic board game with a sightseeing bus tour in this immersive MONOPOLY London Experience. As you explore iconic London locations, enjoy our unique afternoon tea while participating in interactive activities that challenge you to buy properties and earn wealth.

Each of these tours provides a wonderful chance to bond with your children, enjoy the beauty of London, and create wonderful memories together. To find out what's running, check out our month-by-month afternoon tea bus tour offering.

Dry January Q&A

Here are a few common questions that people ask about Dry January.

Is Dry January even worth it?

Absolutely! Participating in Dry January can provide numerous health benefits. After just a month of not drinking, people report feeling more energetic, enjoying better sleep, and experiencing improved mental clarity.

Taking part in Dry January is the perfect opportunity to find out you can still socialise with friends and family and have fun, even without alcohol. Choosing a London staycation or exploring new London activities during this month can be fun and different. And by the end, you'll be grateful you did!

How to get a buzz without alcohol in the UK?

In the UK, there are many ways to enjoy a night out or a fun afternoon without the booze. For example, with its premium ingredients and rich flavours, Wild Idol alcohol-free wine gives you a sophisticated experience without the drawbacks of traditional wine. Imagine sipping Wild Idol while onboard a Routemaster double-decker bus, taking in the sights of the city while enjoying our exclusive afternoon tea menu. It's definitely an experience that will leave you and the rest of your party buzzing!

Can you have one drink in Dry January?

The essence of Dry January is about taking a break from alcohol, but the challenge is flexible and completely individual. There's no Dry January police! However, if you commit to the health challenge, why not see it through? If you find yourself in social situations where you might want one drink, you could always have a non-alcoholic option. You'll be pleasantly surprised by the range of tasty choices available. And this means you can still engage in social activities while also sticking to your goals for the month.

What happens to your body when you do Dry January?

You may think that not drinking alcohol for one month can't make much of a difference. But when you commit to Dry January, your body goes through several positive changes. Many people notice improved hydration, better sleep, clearer skin, and even weight loss! Plus, no alcohol in your system will improve your overall mood and mental wellbeing. Worth a try, right?

Can I bring friends who aren't skipping alcohol?

Absolutely! One of the best parts about Dry January is that it's a personal journey. And you can certainly include friends who choose not to participate. There are plenty of sober activities to enjoy in London together, such as visiting Brigit's Bakery for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Or you can always join us on an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour. When booking with us, everyone in your party can book their own choice of food and drink - and they can all be different. Remember, the goal is to enjoy each other's company and have quality time while celebrating and supporting everyone's individual choices.

Do I need to book in advance?

If you're booking an Afternoon Tea Bus Tour with us, booking is necessary. You can either book through our website, call us on 020 3026 1188, or email us at bus@b-bakery.com. Our office hours are Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Brigit's Bakery in Covent Garden also gets very busy, so we always recommend you book your table in advance.

Are there other sober activities London visitors can try?

London is full of exciting staycation experiences and activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. Here are a few ideas for a weekend day out:

• Visit some of the city’s renowned museums - did you know that most of them are free?
• Visit some of the world-famous royal attractions.
• Enjoy peaceful strolls along the Thames admiring or walking over some of the most iconic bridges the capital is famous for.
• Explore the green parks and gardens dotted around the city.
• And if you're taking part in Veganuary too, we offer Vegan afternoon tea (as well as Vegetarian, Halal, and Gluten-free) on all our Afternoon Tea Bus tours and at Brigit's Bakery. So you really have no excuse to join us for a delicious alcohol-free treat for you and your friends.

With exciting options for socialising, fantastic alcohol-free alternatives like Wild Idol wine, and a wealth of engaging activities right in the heart of London, you'll find that a dry month can both be refreshing and fun.

So, will you be embracing the spirit of renewal and self-care and participate in Dry January in London this year?