As we’re getting to the festive season, many of us will be thinking of what beers to pick up for at home as we celebrate Christmas and time off with the family. It’s one of the periods where we all like to overindulge a little.
However, more and more of us are shunning the booze these days, certainly when it comes to the alcoholic variety, whether that be to do with personal preference, health or addiction, in which someone may have gone through alcohol help and treatment to live a healthier and happier life.
And while the number of non-drinkers have gone up, the market for non-alcoholic beer has also risen dramatically and with that has come some pretty tasty flavours. The craft beer scene has really embraced 0% offerings, so if you’re looking to stock up over the coming months, here are five great breweries to look towards…
Northern Monk (Leeds)
Northern Monk have earned their place as one of the UK’s leading independent breweries, and their move into alcohol-free brewing is just as impressive. Their flagship 0.5% pale ale, Holy Faith, was the first non-alcoholic beer ever to receive three stars in the Great Taste Awards, proof that great beer doesn’t need high alcohol content.
Packed with citrus and tropical hop notes, Holy Faith retains the signature haze and juicy body of a modern craft pale ale. Northern Monk treat their low and no-alcohol offerings with the same care and complexity as their full-strength range, proving that balance, texture and aroma are what truly define good beer.
Cloudwater Brew Co. (Manchester)
Cloudwater have built a strong reputation for bold, hop-forward IPAs and beautifully balanced lagers, and their alcohol-free range reflects the same brewing philosophy. Fresh AF, their 0.5% hazy IPA, bursts with tropical fruit and zesty hops, while Boring AF, a 0.5% sour, combines cherry, hibiscus and redcurrant for a tangy, refreshing twist.
Cloudwater’s alcohol-free beers are crafted using carefully controlled fermentation rather than simply removing alcohol afterwards. The result is beer that tastes complete – not compromised. For those who crave a flavourful, juicy IPA without the buzz, Cloudwater are setting a high standard.
Thornbridge Brewery (Derbyshire)
Few British breweries have had as much influence on the craft beer movement as Thornbridge. Based in Bakewell, they’ve been producing standout beers since 2005, and their entry into the alcohol-free market continues that tradition of quality.
Their Jaipur Alcohol Free IPA mirrors the beloved original, one of Britain’s most famous craft IPAs, with a vibrant blend of American hops delivering citrus, pine and floral notes. Meanwhile, their Green Mountain Hazy IPA AF is a smooth, juicy option for anyone who enjoys a New England-style pale ale. Thornbridge’s alcohol-free beers feel authentic and well-crafted, offering a perfect introduction to the world of alcohol-free craft brewing.
St Austell Brewery (Cornwall)
Although St Austell is a more traditional name in British brewing, its modern approach deserves recognition. Their Proper Job 0.5% brings all the hop character of the original Cornish IPA to an alcohol-free audience.
Brewed with Cascade, Chinook and Willamette hops, Proper Job 0.5% delivers a bold, bittersweet hit of grapefruit, pineapple and citrus. It’s proof that classic British brewers can adapt and excel in the no- and low-alcohol sector without losing their identity. Widely available in bottles and supermarkets, it’s also one of the most accessible quality AF beers in the UK.
Below Brew Co. (Somerset)
Formerly known as Lowtide Brewing Co., Below Brew Co. is one of the UK’s few breweries entirely dedicated to alcohol-free beer. Their inventive range includes All Hopped Up (a hazy pale ale) and Heaven & Helles (a crisp, German-style lager), both clocking in at 0.5% ABV.
What sets Below Brew apart is their creativity and passion for brewing beer that feels exciting and experimental, not just “good for an alcohol-free option”. Each beer is developed from the ground up to be non-alcoholic, ensuring depth of flavour and proper body. If you’re exploring alcohol-free craft beer, Below Brew Co. should be high on your list.
Written by Christos Christophorou
