When you think of London nightlife, what pictures spring to mind? Bankers drinking pints in the pub in the evening? Students dancing in sticky nightclubs, or long drunken night-bus journeys home? Well, think again.

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London is no longer the alcohol-centric city that it used to be. Millions of Brits every year take part in Dry January or Sober October, and the number of 18- to 24-year-olds who reported getting drunk at least once a week fell from 37% to 22% between 2001 and 2011. Add to that the fact that 32% of Londoners are teetotal, and it’s shaping up to be a much less boozy culture now than we knew at the start of the century.

So what does all this mean for the UK’s huge hospitality industry? For generations our social culture has been centred around having a nice drink with a mate, and our hospitality industry was built upon this tradition in one form or another. But with so many people steering clear of alcohol, the impact on pubs, clubs and restaurants could be huge.

The Solution?

Step forward Redemption, London’s first alcohol-free bar. Riding high on the popular Gatsby-esque theme, Redemption takes Prohibition bars to a whole new level by serving only non-alcoholic drinks and vegan food. And it is proving hugely popular with the city’s young people – even among the uber-trendy, home-brew-quaffing elite of Shoreditch. Redemption has recognised the gap in the market for alcohol-free socialising and is capitalising on its canniness.

Prohibition Bars

Whether your establishment is Prohibition-themed or not, you will want it to look great for your customers. Retro-styled interiors have been hugely popular for the last few years, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. Luckily, there is a great selection of bar furniture suppliers in London to meet your every need. Antiques specialists such as http://www.victorhallantiques.com are even able to make bespoke bar furniture, restore elderly pieces and offer genuine antique furniture to suit your taste.

So if you are looking to achieve that Prohibition theme for your bar, there are plenty of options for period furniture in the City – and don’t forget the whole menu of genuine teetotal beverages that your customers will love. The future may well involve people having a sober night out.