‘It was easy to forget alcohol wasn’t served’ — Spitalfield Crypt Trust hosts boozeless night out in honour of 60th anniversary

The event took place at Farr’s in Dalston. Photograph: Ewan-M, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Farr’s is one of Dalston’s most beloved bars, attracting hordes of pub-goers every week. But a booze-free event held there last month could set a precedent for future inclusive nights out. 

The event, Live and Dry, offered a space for people to come together and listen to live music spread across two floors, without the influence of alcohol. 

Taking place on 29 January, the event marked the 60th anniversary of the Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT), a Hackney-based charity supporting people who are homeless and recovering from addiction.

Starting as a night shelter and soup kitchen in a church crypt in 1965, SCT has become a lifeline for thousands of people experiencing addiction and homelessness.

The charity runs a recovery hostel alongside a Housing First scheme which helps to move people without permanent housing into long-term accommodation without pre-conditions.

Music legend Clive Langer has produced for everyone from David Bowie to Madness and played at Live and Dry. In the aftermath, he spoke to the Citizen about the importance of SCT’s work and his own struggles with addiction.

Langer said: “I’ve been in recovery for four years and know how isolating it can be socially, and the work the charity does really resonated with me. 

“It was wonderful to see how the event brought people together. The vibe was great, and it was easy to forget alcohol wasn’t being served”.

Langer was joined on the bill by the likes of Rocky (X-Press 2), Nick Diver, Ghost Cast and house music legend Mark Wilkinson. 

Wilkinson has DJed in 65 countries and held a residency at the Ministry of Sound. But for him, like Langer, this event felt especially close to home. 

He said: “The intention behind the night really resonated with me, having my own issues with addiction and almost homelessness. Events like Live and Dry really matter. 

“Supporting the night was my way of raising awareness and standing alongside people experiencing homelessness and addiction. The night opened up conversations, and I hope a ripple effect creates real change”.

Non-alcoholic nights out in London are few and far between, despite recent data showing that alcohol consumption in the UK is at a record low. 

The average UK adult consumed 10.2 alcoholic drinks a week in 2024, the lowest figure since data collection began in 1990 and a decline of more than a quarter from the peak of 14 two decades ago, according to data published in the Financial Times from research company IWSR.

Despite a growing demand for non-alcoholic drinks, one of London’s few boozeless bars — Club Soda Tasting Room — closed at the end of last month. According to SCT CEO Louisa Snow, spaces like these are crucial.

She said: “For many people, sober spaces are essential to maintaining wellbeing. Creating an event that didn’t revolve around alcohol was a wonderful way to celebrate 60 years of SCT supporting recovery in London.

“It sent a clear message: everyone belongs, and everyone deserves to feel comfortable and supported”.

More information about SCT’s work can be found here.