The end of summer also marked my one year soberversary (10th September if you're asking). I had a hiatus from the blog because, well, I've been living life and it's been good. Recovery and discovery go hand-in-hand, and one thing I've uncovered is how connected the sober community is. I mean this both figuratively and literally. The sense of affinity when you chat to other sober people is real. They know what you've gone through, and you know they know as they've been through it too. And everyone knows everyone else. It's a joy to meet so many amazing people, be in good company and feel part of something bigger. It's a wonderful thing.
After performing some passages from the blog at open mike nights, I've turned my hand to poetry. I'm not winning the TS Eliot prize any time soon but there is something therapeutic in crafting words on the page, to play with meaning and sometimes mine your soul. One poem I penned after a particularly stressful day, and immediately felt better. A day when my old self would have cracked the ring pull on a can and thrown a hand grenade into my week. The spoken word scene is another thing altogether. There are some staggeringly talented people out there. I feel honoured to share a stage with them. Shout out to Sober AF Poetry Club (Insta: @soberaf_poetryclub) and The Cathartic Collective (Insta: @the_cathartic_collective_). Both nights are run by truly inspirational human beings and provide a safe space to explore creativity in sobriety.
There have also been sober socials, which have included a booze free stand-up gig at the London AF Comedy Club (Insta: @thelondonalcoholfreecomedyclub). The content is not specifically around alcohol thankfully - who wants AA with one liners? - but there were some jokes that definitely resonated with former boozers. I laughed hard when I realised the double entrendre inherent in myth that the way to avoid getting caught drink driving is by sucking a copper (credit to @bennorris_comic).
The absolute highlight has been The House of Happiness (Insta: @houseofhappinessofficial) - a rave for sober people. I must admit there have been one or two moments of discombobulation in social situations where I'd wonder if I'd be enjoying myself more if I had a drink. Not any more. HoH is a full on party with glitter, podium dancers amd non-stop house bangers. It was truly liberating to lose all inhibitions on the dancefloor without any stimulants (if you don't count caffeine). I went solo as my friend couldn't get a babysitter and like with all AF events, everyone was really friendly and welcoming. I wasn't just happy in this house - I was ecstatic.
Honorable mentions to some of places where I've had sober drinks. Dishoom's teetotal tipples didn't disappoint but, with the exception of the signature dahl dish, the food is overhyped. I finally got to visit Sketch. Although the mindful drink menu was a choice of two options, both were delicious. The hidden gem is Oyster and Chop House (Insta: @oysterandchophouse) in Herne Bay. Not only did I have the best BBQ short rib ever but the AF cocktails were top notch (a margarita and whiskey sour that rival the 'real' thing). The staff were great and we got 20% off the bill for booking between 5pm and 6pm, which meant we got to watch the beautiful Kent sunset. What more can you ask for?