Sober Saturdays - Torsig pop up

An alcohol-free bar popping up in Hoxton is right up my street, and just a few stops away on the Ginger Line. A temporary London iteration of the Brighton establishment, you can't blame Torstig for timing this to target the dry January market.

And they were right to do so: Torsig had found their tribe and was as lively as any other bar in east London on a Saturday afternoon. It certainly wasn't out of place: the style was Scandi chic with a bonhomie atmosphere. Don't just take my word for it - check out the mention in The Sober Diaries: My challenge has just started.

The cocktails were the best I have ever tasted. Lokken was a lush concoction of raspberry and Three Spirit The Livener; the tall drink is Logstor, a dry version of Dark and Stormy, it packed a punch.

Of course I had to have Agerup, Torsig's version of a margarita, my cocktail of choice in pre-AF days. Not sure what the secret ingredient was but it banged. I love a salty rim and the addition thyme was inspired. The husband, being the creature of habit, had two Orsos, which is a very decent AF rival to an Old Fashioned. This was made with menthol and dealcoholised whisky, so it still had a warming sensation but without the burn or shiver.

I finished up with Humlum, the obligatory Porn Star Martini mixed with Strykk Not Vodka, complete with a shot of alcohol-free prosecco. I'm not usually one for sweet drinks but this was delish.

Torsig was such a vibe we stayed until it got dark. I was certainly upbeat (blame The Livener) but conversation turned to commercial longevity. Our table had four more reservations that night, and whilst a high turnover of customer is promising, does it have staying power? Sober and sober curious lifestyles are gaining popularity but with the comparative price point, is there a big enough demand for the USP? Time may tell but given the conversation we had about how 70% of bar sales happen when people are already drunk, I'm not surprised by the recent Instagram announcement that Torsig is taking a hiatus. Maybe the concept of a purely alcohol-free bar is a moot point, particularly as alternatives can sometimes be more expensive than spirits. However, if positioned in spaces where people are inclined to make more conscious choices, it could flourish. I can certainly see this at festival, spa or health retreat. I hope that Torsig find their home, because I will be back when they do.