Members’ News

January 2025

Elior’s annual charity dinner and auction raises £30,000 for Alzheimer’s Society #

Contract caterer Elior hosted its annual charity dinner and auction to raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society, the UK’s leading dementia charity. Held at BT One Braham in London, the event raised £30,000.
 
The fine dining culinary experience was curated by nine talented Elior chefs, including Bake Off: The Professionals contestants Malgorzata Kujawa and Natalie Sheridan. Each chef delivered one course of the nine-course menu. Dishes were inspired by the Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) which is designed to promote brain health and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline by focusing on nutrient-rich foods that benefit the brain.
 
Guests had the opportunity to bid for prizes in a live auction hosted by Elior’s Head of Sales, Ben McEwen, in addition to a silent auction. Prizes included various private culinary experiences from a Vietnamese feast hosted by Lexington Executive Project Chef Dang Pham, to an afternoon tea hosted inside your own home, provided by the aforementioned Bake-Off The Professionals contestants Malgorzata Kujawa and Natalie Sheridan. Multiple stadium hospitality tickets were also included, such as an experience for 4 at Gordon Ramsey’s restaurant inside Rangers Football Club’s home at the Ibrox Stadium, and food from Michelin Star chef Simon Rogan at the AO arena in Manchester. The event was also well supported, featuring sponsors such as BT, Heineken, Harrogate Spring Water and Dr Oetker.
 
In addition to annual charity dinners, Elior has previously raised £70,000 through a variety of fundraising activities including sponsored walks, ‘Tough Mudder’ races, ‘The Great Elior Bake Off’, marathons and even skydives over the last few years.
 
Elior commits to training its employees to become “Dementia Friends,” training individuals to have a deeper understanding of dementia, giving them the tools to raise awareness.
 
Elior’s CEO Catherine Roe commented: “We’re immensely proud of our work to support Alzheimer’s Society, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone that has contributed to helping raise these vital funds. It’s because of these contributions that we can make a meaningful impact on the lives of those living with dementia.”
 
She continued: “Our annual charity dinner was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously, and I look forward to continuing our efforts to support Alzheimer’s Society.”
 
“We are extremely thankful for Elior’s continued dedication to fundraising for Alzheimer’s Society and the enormous contributions made,” commented Pippa Holdup, regional fundraiser from Alzheimer’s Society. “This was a brilliant event, and the funds raised will help the almost one million people living with dementia in the UK. Alzheimer’s Society vows to help end the devastation caused by dementia. If you’re worried about dementia, we’re here to help. Call our Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456 or visit alzheimers.org.uk.”

EXCEL London and LEVY UK+I Reinforce strategic partnership #

LONDON: Excel London and Levy UK & Ireland have today announced a multi-million-pound agreement, building on their long-standing relationship and commitment to fostering innovation, technology and investment in London’s events industry.   

Levy, the events, sports and entertainment arm of Compass Group UK & Ireland, has been Excel’s food and beverage partner since the Royal Docks venue first opened in 2000, and has been putting high-quality, sustainable offerings at the heart of its 400 events and four million annual visitors ever since. 

The strengthened partnership aims to build on its successful 25-year association with a greater emphasis on future investment. Central to this lies a brand-new dining experience for Excel’s new-look waterfront entertainment district – Immerse LDN – entitled the Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar. The new establishment offers a street food inspired menu from across the world and caters for both venue visitors and residents throughout London’s Royal Docks. The Waterfront Street Kitchen & Bar is also expected to add greater value to the wider events business by offering a new bespoke space for organiser meetings, exhibitor parties and corporate events. 

In addition, Levy will expand its in-venue food and beverage offer to Excel’s forthcoming 25,000sqm expansion, continuing its focus on providing high-end, modern and sustainable cuisine, as well as initiatives such as carbon food labelling, menus that are at least 50% plant-based and the sourcing of 100% recyclable or reusable packing. 

Elsewhere, the partnership will see a variety of enhancements along Excel’s boulevard where Levy have already introduced pioneering systems such as the ‘checkout-free’ store Market Express – a first for UK event venues – and ultra-efficient touch screen ordering systems in several outlets. 

Excel’s Chief Commercial Officer Simon Mills said: “Food and events go hand-in-hand, and for almost 25 years Levy have been helping us deliver the very best event experience to our visitors. This reinforced strategic partnership further cements our long-term investment and commitment to London’s event industry, particular as Excel begins an exciting new chapter with the opening of our new waterfront, Immerse LDN and of course our forthcoming expansion.”

Jon Davies, CEO at Levy, commented: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of this exciting phase of Excel’s history, where it is set to become the UK’s largest immersive entertainment district and Europe’s largest fully integrated conference and exhibition venue. The continuation of our long-standing partnership allows us to push the boundaries of innovation in food, technology and sustainability, while delivering exceptional experiences.” 

For more information on Excel visit www.excel.london

Start the new year off right with FEA’s combi oven training day #

FEA keeps the momentum going with its popular service engineer training events

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) has announced its first training day of 2025, which will focus on providing service engineers with the latest information on combi ovens from a variety of leading manufacturers.  The day will take place on the 22nd January in the training facility at Parts Town UK based in Cannock just north of Birmingham. The manufacturers who will be participating are Lincat, MKN/Jestic, Retigo and Unox, as well as ventilation and extraction specialists Inox Fabrications.

“The combi oven training sessions FEA ran in 2024 were practical and good value and, consequently, extremely popular,” says John Cunningham CFSP, Chief Executive of FEA.  “We’ve decided to keep the pace going in 2025, giving more service technicians the chance to increase their knowledge and skills with information direct from top manufacturers.”

The day begins at 9am with a chance to meet other delegates, as well as grabbing a breakfast bap and a hot drink. This is followed up with a short session giving updates on a range of topics including changes to the electrical regulations, installing and servicing guidelines. Scott Barnfield, training centre manager at Parts Town UK, will also update attendees on ACS assessment and training.

The main part of the day will see delegates divided into small groups to take part in sessions with each manufacturer in turn. These have been designed to allow everyone to get hands on experience of each combi oven and will cover a range of relevant topics that will provide you with the information needed to install and maintain them. Topics include manufacturer specific information on service and maintenance, how to diagnose common issues and the faults that occur through lack of maintenance, information on best practice on electrical safety and what training and protective devices are available.

As well as this, Inox will be giving sessions covering a range of supplementary topics relating to the requirements for ventilation and extraction for combi ovens.  They will include individual components, designs, fault finding and how to verify the performance of your ventilation systems.

Delegates will also have the opportunity to tour Parts Town UK, and the day will end with a final presentation, the chance to ask questions and a prize draw.

Tickets cost £64.88 per person and can be booked via this link (https://tinyurl.com/FEAcombitraining)

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk 

Biotiful Gut Health launch first ever menu inspiration recipe book #

With Gut Health being the continued MEGATREND from January, Biotiful Gut Health have launched our first ever menu inspiration recipe book showcasing how you can implement Biotiful Gut Health Kefir into many different recipes. From salad dressings to smoothies for your catering outlet.
 
https://shop.biotifulguthealth.com/pages/recipe-book
 
We also have a range of Direct-to-Consumer Meal Boosters, that can be added into smoothies, or salad toppers, that Arena Members will receive an exclusive 20% off our meal booster range. The link below automatically adds the discount to your cart.
 
https://shop.biotifulguthealth.com/discount/Arena20
 
For further menu inspiration or product samples please contact marc@biotifuldairy.com

East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust to partner with Sodexo #

East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust will partner with Sodexo to deliver its soft facilities management services across the Trust’s two acute hospitals – Colchester and Ipswich, and community services in East Suffolk and North Essex. These include Aldeburgh, Felixstowe and Harwich Hospitals, and Bluebird Lodge in Ipswich.
 
Sodexo has been appointed preferred bidder following the Trust Board’s decision to contract all soft facilities management services to an external partner, moving to a single, consistent approach across all its sites.  These services include catering, housekeeping, cleaning, portering and security.
 
The new five-year contract is scheduled to begin in April 2025.
 
Nick Hulme, Chief Executive of East Suffolk & North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Working in partnership with Sodexo will help us to ensure the high standards of care and experience which patients and local people rightly expect. This is critical to our plans to transform services for local communities.”
 
ESNEFT and Sodexo have a shared commitment to make a positive difference for society by offering training and apprenticeships, a focus on employing local people, buying sustainably and locally, and caring for our environment.
 
Philip Leigh, CEO for Sodexo Health & Care, UK & Ireland said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust. We are committed to supporting the Trust’s priorities and collaborating with them to enhance environments and experiences for patients, staff and the local community.”

FEA helps secure exemption to new F-Gas regulations for refrigeration equipment #

Grace period will give manufacturers vital time needed to develop new technology

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA), in collaboration with its European partners in EFCEM, (the European Federation of Catering Equipment Manufacturers) have been successful in their attempt to gain a temporary exemption to certain types of refrigeration equipment covered by new EU regulations covering F-gases, due to come into force on the 1st January 2025.The implementing regulation will be published soon in the Official Journal of the European Union(OJEU).

The new regulations aim to phase out the use of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) like R452A, which is currently commonly used in a wide range of commercial foodservice refrigeration. Due to a lack of compatible components and technology that can work with alternative refrigerants, FEA has been working with EFCEM to lobby EU legislators to exempt certain critical equipment from the new regulations, to allow manufacturers time to develop new technology and alternative refrigerants.

The exemption means that specific types of self-contained refrigeration equipment that contains fluorinated greenhouse gases with a GWP of 150 or more can continue to be sold until the 30th June 2026, provided they are labelled pursuant to Article 12(2) of Regulation (EU) 2024/573.  The exemption applies to:

·         Ice makers with a production capacity from 200 to 2000kg per 24 hours

·         Blast cabinets with a load capacity between 25 to 100kg

·         Retarder prover cabinets with an absorbed power between 1kW and 2kW

·         Chilled trolleys with a rated power input from 1.5 kW to 10.5 kW

·         Frozen drink dispensers or cold ice cream dispensers with a capacity greater than 3 litres and

·         Artisanal gelato makers with a cooling capacity greater than 2kW

“FEA fully supports the aims of the new regulations, but certain types of refrigeration equipment present big challenges when it comes to replacing refrigerants without compromising on standards of quality and safety,” says Andy Threlfall, technical and policy director at FEA. “The exemption that we and our partners have managed to secure ensures that equipment that is vital to many parts of the foodservice sector can remain available while alternatives are developed.”

Andy emphasises that it is important that the time covered by the temporary exemption is not wasted. “We hope that manufacturers take full advantage of this period of grace to evolve their equipment and find alternatives that comply with the F-gas regulations by 2026,” he says. “Developing and deploying new technology will be a vital part of meeting the industry’s Net Zero targets.”

The Foodservice Equipment Association (FEA) is the independent, authoritative voice of the foodservice equipment industry, representing nearly 200 companies who supply, service and maintain all types of commercial catering equipment - from utensils to full kitchen schemes.  For more information on FEA visit www.fea.org.uk 

Sodexo ends 2024 with more accolades for business excellence and commitment to social impact #

Sodexo UK & Ireland closes 2024 with more wins and industry recognition demonstrating its market leading position for delivering excellence in food and FM services and as a purpose-led business.
 
At the recent annual edie net-zero awards Sodexo was named winner in the Net-Zero Strategy of the Year category for its net zero 2040 roadmap and the Supply Chain Decarbonisation Project of the Year category for its net zero supply chain engagement strategy. The awards recognise and reward the individuals and organisations spearheading the UK’s transition towards a net-zero carbon economy.
 
Its net zero strategy was also recognised at the French Chamber of Great Britain’s Franco-British Business Awards with Sodexo winning the Sustainable Future award.  Sodexo also received the People and Community award for its work to promote social mobility and reducing inequalities through the work of the Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, its charity partner, national food redistribution charity, The Bread and Butter Thing, and through its Starting Fresh initiative which is not only helping individuals with convictions find meaningful employment but is also encouraging other businesses to tap into the talent pool of prison-leavers.
 
Following on from its success as the only company in the industry to be named in the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality and the Top 75 Social Mobility Foundation Employer Index Sodexo UK & Ireland has also been awarded silver member status of the 5% Club, recognising its commitment to investing in apprenticeships, training, and upskilling initiatives.  The Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation was also recently named in Making the Leap’s inaugural Social Mobility List which highlights the key contributors and initiatives that are driving social mobility in the UK.
 
Jean Renton, Chief Operating Officer for Sodexo UK & Ireland says: “Sodexo puts service excellence and sustainable growth at the heart of our operations and decision making. The teams deserve this external recognition which we achieved in partnership with our valued clients, supply chain and community partners.  In 2025, we will continue to build on what we have achieved this year, collaborating to make a bigger difference and create a better every day for all.”
 
Since the beginning of 2024 Sodexo UK & Ireland has received numerous accolades, these include:
 
21 across the UK and Ireland for business excellence:

Sodexo Ireland won four awards including two at the FM Awards Ireland; Ireland Health & Safety Excellence Awards and Ireland Workplace Excellence Awards
Three awards at the Northern Ireland Cleaning Awards (two individual operative awards and mobile team of the year)
Sodexo Live! won three awards at the Stadium Events & Hospitality Awards along with three silver and five bronze medals, its team at ACC Liverpool won at the Contract Catering Awards and the Brighton & Hove Albion FC team won at the Foodservice Cateys
The Sodexo British Forces Cyprus team & the Defence Infrastructure Organisation were winners at the Public Sector Catering Awards
Alliance in Partners’ Kitcheneers received silver at the DBA Business Effectiveness Awards
Henry Gribbin from Corporate Services won Account director of the Year at the PFM Partnership Awards. 

12 as a responsible and inclusive employer:

Times Top 50 Employer for Gender Equality; FM Awards Ireland (People Development); Ireland Workplace Excellence Awards (Disability Awareness); Caterer People Awards (Employer Brand); National Inclusion Awards (winner of inclusion in EDI Maturity Curve: Stakeholders and highly commended in EDI Team of the Year >5000 Colleagues) and silver status in 5% Club Employer Audit 2024-25.
Sodexo was also highly commended at the Greater Manchester Good Employment Awards, Firm Awards and Diversity Network Awards and received Carer Confident and Menopause Friendly accreditations. 

9 CSR-related: FM Awards Ireland (CSR initiative); Springboard Awards (Partner of the year); Footprint Awards (Social Impact & Diversity); Workplace Excellence – Ireland (Best in CSR); Chapter One (Children’s Voice); Making the Leap (Social Mobility Awards and List); Social Mobility Foundation Employers Index and Franco-British Business awards (People & Community). 

6 for our net zero 2040 strategy: Business & Finance ESG Awards (Ireland): Reuters Sustainability Awards (supply chain engagement): National Sustainability Awards (supply chain engagement): Franco-British Business and the two recent awards at the edie net zero awards. 

Restaurant Associates announces new Managing Director and Business Director to join their executive team #

Award-winning hospitality brand, Restaurant Associates, has announced a series of strategic promotions to support ongoing expansion plans.

The company continues to celebrate year-on-year growth and strong levels of client retention. Marked by contract gains across industry-leading corporate customers, and an exciting new venture into the Formula 1 motorsports industry. Central to this success has been the talent and dynamism of their associates, who remain at the heart of their achievements.

Sally Hillman, takes on the role of Managing Director. With a wealth of experience from a career spanning two decades in high-end leisure and hospitality. As Managing Director of Restaurant Associates, Sally will oversee an impressive portfolio of both national and global customers. She will work closely with the senior team to drive exceptional standards.

Phil Clerkin, who has played an integral role at Restaurant Associates for over a decade, will transition from his current role as Operations Director to take on the position of Business Director. In this new capacity, Phil will support the company's growth agenda, leveraging his strong commercial outlook and customer-focused approach. With a deep-rooted background in hospitality, Phil's career includes international experience with high-profile corporate clients, including iconic organisations in the banking and technology sectors.

Finally, Eloisa Cackett has joined the business as Operations Director, to oversee some of Restaurant Associates prestigious B&I clients. She brings a wealth of knowledge in delivering first class service - beginning her career with Compass Group over a decade ago by participating in their graduate scheme.

Matt Thomas, CEO of Restaurant Associates Group believes these promotions within the team will amplify business capabilities and said: “Our recent promotions reflect the growth we are experiencing as we continue to innovate and expand into new markets. We are incredibly proud to have a team of talented and dedicated individuals who represent the next generation of leaders, both internally and externally and are committed to contributing to the success of Restaurant Associates.

“To be awarded Foodservice Caterer at The Cateys this year is a testament to our team’s hard work. Our people are what drives the business forward. Investing in our employees and creating a culture of growth and development is the key to business success and excellence.”

Bidfood honoured to retain Royal Warrant for the Royal Household #

Bidfood, one of the UK’s leading food wholesalers, has today been awarded the Royal Warrant of Appointment as the purveyors of grocery, provision products and frozen foods - marking over 25 years that the wholesaler has held this accolade.

Dating back to the 15th century, Royal Warrants have been issued to businesses supplying goods or services to the Royal Household. Bidfood is among the nearly 400 companies that have been appointed this prestigious honour by His Majesty King Charles III.

The Royal Warrant symbolises a commitment to the highest standard of service, quality, excellence and craftsmanship.

Dr Andrew Kemp, MBE, BFS Executive Director and Grantee of the Royal Warrant commented: “It is an absolute honour and a privilege to remain a holder of the Royal Warrant and I am delighted that His Majesty, King Charles III, has granted us this great accolade.

“Having just achieved 25 years trading as Bidfood, we see this as a testament of our dedication to delivering service excellence at the core of our business and are proud in the continuance of our service to the Royal Household as we have done since the year 2000.”

Compass delivers Christmas spirit to local communities across the UK #

This Christmas, teams from across Compass Group UK & Ireland have been working with local and national charities in the communities where they work, supporting thousands of people across the country.

Over the last few weeks, Compass colleagues have been carrying out a number of fundraising and volunteering activities including:
One Retail has raised over £20,000 Alzheimer's Society with their annual ‘Elf Week’, where colleagues across sites dressed up as elves to put a smile on people’s faces this festive season. This is in addition to One Retail announcing earlier this year that they have surpassed £500k raised for Alzheimer’s Society, across the entire partnership to date.

Medirest colleagues at Southend Hospital held a bake sale, which raised almost £500 for Southend Foodbank, the money will go towards helping people through tough times with emergency food and practical support.

Three Medirest team members took part in the Sophie’s Legacy 10k for the charity. This supports their ongoing work together to deliver free meals to the parents and carers of unwell children in hospitals (paediatric patients on extended clinical care plans) across 20 NHS Trusts.

The Eurest and 14forty team donned their aprons at Compass’ Parklands office to lend a hand hosting Christmas lunch for the West Midlands FoodCycle team leaders. These inspiring individuals work tirelessly year-round to transform surplus food into delicious meals, creating communities and tackling loneliness across the region.

Dine has donated £500 worth of food for Steadychefs, to use in hampers for those in need this Christmas.
 
ESS Energy colleagues are preparing over 7,000 meals as well as food hampers to support people in need this Christmas. Recipients will be given a meal pack that will feed them for several days over the festive period. The initiative is being supported by donations from ESS supply partners.

A number of sites within the ESS business have collected food and supplies for local charities like food banks and homeless shelters, across the UK.

Within Chartwells Universities, its Sustainability Manager at the University of Sussex arranged a collection to gather new warm clothes and festive food items for those living in vulnerable conditions. Donations were distributed at the Safehaven event, and the team helped serve meals to 130 attendees.

Across the UK, over 2,800 children and families engaged with Chartwells through the Department for Education HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) Programme.

Compass Scotland has worked with the EICC to create a special event for local people with dementia. 100 guests were invited for a traditional two-course Christmas lunch while they watched the Christmas classic, ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ on the big screen.
 
Compass Scotland will also be serving 120 meals over two days in partnership with The Larder community cafes and preparing 500 meals ready to distribute through West Lothian.
 
Compass Cymru hosted Llamau Homeless Charity providing a full three course Christmas lunch to over 100 people, alongside organised games and gifts. This is the second year that the partnership has hosted this event.
 
Restaurant Associates and Rapport have been selling Christmas cards created by students at West Lea School and their employee network “Be Kind” are organising a “GiftCycle” project, where they’ll be collecting unused gifts after the festive period to help raise more funds for charity partners.
 
During a week filled with festive generosity, CH&CO offices came together for a successful toy drive and charity raffle. Teams donated over 80 gifts to support ELBA’s (East London Business Alliance) Toy Appeal, spreading joy to children in need who may not otherwise receive a present this Christmas. Additionally, the charity raffle raised an impressive £800 for King’s Trust.
 
Levy is dedicated to making a positive impact on the communities it serves, especially during the festive season. All Levy teams at its partner venues participate in initiatives that bring Christmas cheer to those in need. This includes countless Christmas lunches for the less fortunate across stadium and conference portfolio.

Plus, Jockey Club Catering activity ranges from the Carlisle Racecourse team volunteering at its local food bank to ensure everyone can enjoy a meal at Christmas, to the team at Cheltenham donating gifts to the Pied Piper Appeal, helping to make a difference in the lives of sick and disabled children in Gloucestershire. Haydock Park Racecourse invited 'unsung heroes' from a local primary school for a tour of the paddock and weighing room, followed by a Christmas lunch and quiz.

Foodbuy and other Compass sectors will continue to reduce and redistribute surplus food working with partners including Farehare, Olio and Too Good To Go. 

Laura Neville, Head of Social Value for Compass Group UK & Ireland commented: “Our teams continue to deliver social value in the communities we operate in. I’m immensely proud of what we have been able to achieve in 2024 and our people never fail to amaze me with their generosity of time and kindness to help others less fortunate, especially at Christmas. Thanks to everyone for their dedication in doing good!”

Earlier this year Compass Group UK & Ireland published its Social Value Report, providing a round up of all the activity it does throughout the year to support the local communities in which it works. 

Dry January is outdated, says Gen Z As 1 in 5 don't drink alcohol at all, but still want to head to the pub. #

20% of Gen Z don’t drink alcohol, new national research reveals 

Greene King study suggests 7 in 10 18 – 24-year-olds would now consider a sober lifestyle 

Norwich is the most sober city in the UK

Greene King partners with Spencer Matthew’s CleanCo to provide sophisticated alcohol-free cocktails for non-drinkers with 10,000 free Clean Cocktails up for grabs in January 

Dry January has become outdated, Gen Z says, as one in five of the younger generation now don’t drink alcohol at all, new research reveals. 
 
The nationwide survey of UK adults, conducted by leading pub and brewer Greene King, found 20% of the younger generation don’t drink alcohol, 12% higher than the national UK average. 
 
The research suggests that despite more than one in five (22%) UK adults being set to partake in Dry January in 2025, Gen Z now views the alcohol abstaining tradition as outdated, with many adopting a flexible relationship with alcohol that means they see no need to cut down for just a month, as they moderate their alcohol consumption all year round. 
 
What’s more, a third of respondents (33%) believe that the UK drinking culture is now more inclusive for non-alcohol drinkers than it was five years ago, with more than one in four (27%) stating they feel less pressured to drink – demonstrating a growing trend towards a flexi-sober lifestyle. 
 
This is aided by the emergence of better quality and more varied no or low alcohol drinks, with almost half of the UK (46%) suggesting the options are now more appealing, with this rising to 52% amongst the Gen Z demographic.
 
It’s timely then, that Greene King today announces its partnership with CleanCo, the world’s leading independent alcohol-free spirit brand and brainchild of Spencer Matthews, Guinness World Record holder, British media personality and entrepreneur. CleanCo offers a range of alcohol-free spirits to match their full strength counterparts without compromising on taste. 
 
Together, Greene King and CleanCo are embracing the new pub culture, creating a welcoming environment for customers in hundreds of sites across the country, whether they choose to drink alcohol or not.
 
As part of the partnership, CleanCo has created a selection of cocktails for January that showcase the product range:

Clean Pineapple Spritz – Clean R 0.0% rum alternative, pineapple juice, soda water
Clean Elderflower G&T – Clean G 0.0% gin alternative, Fever-Tree elderflower tonic water
Clean Rhubarb Mule – Clean G Rhubarb 0.0% gin alternative, Fever-Tree ginger ale, lime
Clean Blood Orange Spritz – Clean G 0.0% gin alternative, Fever-Tress blood orange soda
Clean & Stormy – Clean R 0.0% rum alternative, Fever-Tree ginger ale, lime
Clean Rhubarb Spritz – Clean G Rhubarb 0.0% gin alternative, Fever-Tree tonic water, apple juice

(availability may vary from pub to pub)
 
Not only that, CleanCo is giving away 10,000 Clean Cocktails throughout January at participating Greene King pubs nationwide, all you have to do is visit the CleanCo website, download your free voucher code and show it at the bar to claim yours.
 
This initiative is perfect for the hundreds of thousands still planning on tackling the challenge of Dry January in 2025 or for the growing numbers who simply don’t drink alcohol at all but still want to have a good time at the pub. 
 
Elsewhere, the survey revealed that Norwich is the most sober city in the UK, with 26% of those in the East Anglian County now not drinking alcohol. 
 
TOP TEN MOST SOBER CITIES IN THE UK: 
NORWICH (26%) 
PORTSMOUTH (19%)
SOUTHAMPTON (17%)
LIVERPOOL (14%) 
LEICESTER (12%)
WOLVERHAMPTON (12%)
CAMBRIDGE (12%) 
BIRMINGHAM (12%) 
BRIGHTON (11%)
LEEDS (11%)  

The nation is embracing people who choose not to drink alcohol now more than ever, with more than eight in 10 Brits revealing friends and family would be supportive if they decided to not have a drink. 
 
UK pub culture is also evolving beyond simply being a destination to consume alcohol, with the majority of punters visiting a pub to go for a meal (64%), to meet friends (60%) or to spend time with family (46%), rather than to solely have a drink (42%).
 
And the changing attitude to drinking is reflected in the nation’s outlook on visiting pubs, with six in 10 Brits stating they would happily go to the pub for a no or low alcoholic drink, rising to two thirds (66%) of Gen Zers. 
 
Andrew Gallagher, Brand & Marketing Director at Greene King, said: “There’s no doubt that the UK drinking culture has seen a notable change in recent years.
 
“For today’s drinkers, the consensus is they want more options, whether that’s full strength or low/no alcohol, regardless of what month it is. Pubs are more than just a great place to enjoy a drink and perfect for socialising with family and friends all year round, whether you’re drinking or not.
 
“As brewer, it’s important to us to support and cater for all our customers. We pride ourselves on our low/no alcohol range, but you can never have too much choice and we’re delighted to partner with CleanCo in our pubs nationwide to expand our offering further and provide the perfect serve for everyone.”
 
Spencer Matthews, CleanCo Founder & British TV Personality, added: “When I started CleanCo five years ago the only options for non-drinkers at the pub were soft drinks or water. People would tell me tales of being the butt of the joke or simply feeling like they were missing out if they turned down a beer or cocktail. 
 
“Quality alcohol-free alternatives to the cocktails we all know and love simply didn’t exist then, which is where CleanCo all began. I knew there must be a way to create something that tastes delicious and was fitting for a social occasion. Fast forward five years and to be launching our alcohol-free spirit range with the British institution that is Greene King Pubs is a true testament to how far the sober-curious movement has come in such a short amount of time. 
 
“More than anyone I love a good British pub, so it’s an honour for Greene King to get behind our mission and bring Clean Cocktails to people all over the country. We worked hard behind the scenes to develop a range of cocktails that are a blend of classics and exciting flavours to really showcase just how good the CleanCo liquids are. If you haven’t tried an alcohol-free cocktail before, I encourage you to head down to your local Greene King pub and try one for free this January – trust me, you won’t be disappointed!”