A new alcohol-free cafe bar for Keswick is on the verge of opening in Main Street.
No Monkey Business is to be run by Vicki Mallaghan and Ray Dowding who also have Cafe Hope and the games venture in the town’s Hope Park.
Vicki told the Reminder that she was hoping that the new enterprise would be up and running this week, although there was some doubt as work on the building, situated next door to the Bank Tavern, was still ongoing.
“What we are trying to create is something that is inclusive for everybody, not just a place for people that don’t drink,” said Vicki. “It’s quite a new concept but it is becoming a bit of a trend across the country and there are now bars like this that have opened up in Brighton, Liverpool, London and Manchester.”
Vicki said that she gave up drinking alcohol two years ago “because hangovers are hellish when you are over 40” but was now fed up of drinking J2O.
“Not drinking improves your mental and physical health but you can sometimes risk losing your social life because you don’t want to be in a place that is serving alcohol.”
Vicki said the new business would be employing a staff of around 15 people and it was the plan to open at 9am serving a brunch style menu and then go into the evening with small plates and flatbreads.
She said that having spoken to other people who run alcohol free bars, they have told her that they have become safe places for first time online dates and for those in the elderly LGBT plus community as the atmosphere is more relaxed.
The bar will seat 17 inside and there will be seating for 30 outside. It is also planned to have music and quiz nights as well as craft evenings.
“I think it will be great,” said Vicki. “We are trying to drop into a market that is not here at the moment. It’s a different option for people visiting Keswick as well as the locals.”
