Sun’s out, Brits out. The UK is enjoying a spell of sunshine and warmer weather, and the shift in mood is palpable.
Parks are packed, sunglasses are finally earning their keep, and beer gardens are buzzing with the sounds of clinking glasses and carefree chatter.
It’s not just happening in real life, as online interest is booming too. Google recorded 57,000 searches for “beer garden” in the past month alone, with a 328% rise over the last quarter. Over on TikTok, the hashtag #beergarden has racked up nearly 42,000 posts, capturing everything from sunlit pints to aesthetic garden setups.
But for those steering clear of alcohol, whether due to health goals, recovery, or curiosity about sobriety, this beloved summer ritual can feel a little more complicated.
Will Burse, addiction expert and CEO of True Self Recovery, explains:
“Beer gardens create a perfect storm of triggers for those avoiding alcohol. The combination of sunshine, socialising, and deeply ingrained cultural habits makes these environments particularly challenging. Many people don’t realise they’ve developed psychological associations between summer weather and drinking, making abstinence more difficult when these seasonal cues appear.”
Burse shares practical steps to navigate beer garden season sober:
Prepare your alternative drink strategy
- Research the venue’s non-alcoholic options beforehand
- Consider bringing your own special non-alcoholic drinks if permitted
- Try premium alcohol-free beers that provide the ritual without the alcohol
Manage social expectations
- Arrive with a clear plan for what you’ll say when offered drinks
- Consider a “soft disclosure” approach rather than detailed explanations
- Recruit an accountability buddy within your social circle
Create new summer traditions
- Suggest alternative outdoor activities like picnics or walks
- Host your own alcohol-free garden gatherings
- Schedule morning activities for the day after, giving you a reason to stay sober
Practice mindfulness techniques
- Recognise and acknowledge cravings without acting on them
- Focus on the social connections rather than the drinking culture
- Remember your reasons for avoiding alcohol
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