A former alcoholic reports he is doing a roaring trade in his Dry Dock Hotel, selling no alcohol whatsoever to a welcoming community.
The Dry Dock in Weymouth, south-east of London, serves a variety of beverages, sans alcohol.
It was the brainchild of proprietor Sam Watson, who was inspired to create a booze-free pub because he had nowhere as a recovering alcoholic where he could go that did not serve any of the stuff.
Launched in August, Dry Dock was created as a community interest company, offering a safe space to all those who still want the atmosphere and socialisation of a pub, but who do not drink or are wanting an alternative – “whatever their motivation”. This includes those battling mental health issues, loneliness and addiction.
This led to the new pub, in a former optician’s premise, fitted out pretty much like a typical local, with a vintage jukebox, darts, pool, quizzes, live music, board games, retro arcade games and an art gallery. There is also a meeting room for groups, and regular community focused events.
The bar is equipped with a range of alcohol-free beers, ciders, wines and spirits, as well as traditionally boozeless soft drinks, coffee and tea.
Watson told the BBC the tavern has been “very successful” and they have been opening to the public every day.
“The welcome we have had in our community has been absolutely phenomenal,” he said.
“The amount of people coming through the door and the positive feedback we’ve had has been amazing.”
The initiative has seen positive feedback on social media, one person posting in a TikTok video on the Dry Dock that there was “Finally a place someone in recovery like myself can enjoy socialising and associated pub games without temptation”.
Being “for the community” Watson says they will continue to run so long as they can cover expenses and wages, but some are already calling for more ‘dry’ venues.
The Dock is supporting Andy’s Man Club, The Veterans Hub, the Street Pastors, and other charities and groups sharing its goals. A range of events are in planning in the run-up to Christmas.
“Post covid mental health issues, addiction problems, loneliness, cost of living crisis, etc, have really come to the fore and cannot be tackled without the support of the local community.
“So we created a community focused space that all can enjoy.”
