This week I'm thrilled to be joined by Neil Hudson-Basing, the “chaotic, queer and kind” co-founder of House of Happiness - London's sober clubbing extravaganza. Neil takes us behind the scenes of creating London's first queer-led sober rave, from its humble beginnings to becoming a glitter-filled, music-pumping daytime party at one of London's top clubs.

We dive into the challenges of launching a sober event in traditional clubbing venues, the careful curation that goes into creating an inclusive space, and the emotional moments that have validated their mission.

From the pre-meet pastries to the confetti cannons, Neil paints a vivid picture of what to expect at their events - and trust me, there's nothing boring about this sober party! With their expansion to Manchester and collaborations open across the UK, House of Happiness is proving that you absolutely can still smash it on the dance floor without a drop of alcohol or drugs.

WE CHAT ABOUT
2:00 Neil's story
18:02 The House of Happiness experience: what to expect
27:21 London to Manchester
33:25 Sober in the queer community
39:27 The bar & managing alcohol in the venue
55:40 Tips for non-drinkers on a night out
1:05:22 The BBQ-Q

HOUSEOFHAPPINESS.CO.UK // @houseofhappinessofficial

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Pause & Rewind Podcast
Neil’s Substack
Myth*
Three Spirit*
Thatcher’s*
Stryk*
Lyre’s*
Goat

Low No Drinker Magazine is available online or in print anywhere in the world.

Head to lownodrinkermagazine.com/subscribe and start your free trial today!

If you could spare me two minutes to rate and review the show on your podcasting app of choice, you'll make me the happiest little podcaster in all of Low No Nation 😊

=========

Low No Drinker: The ONLY twice-weekly podcast bringing you closer to the people, places and brands leading the low, no & light alcohol revolution.

Helping you to find, understand and enjoy low, no and light drinks.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

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*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

In this candid solo episode, I tackle the gatekeeping creeping into the low/no space, particularly around big alcohol brands releasing alcohol-free options. After receiving pushback for sharing Heineken's expansion news, I'm setting the record straight: there's no "right way" to be a mindful drinker. Whether you prefer mainstream alcohol-free beers or artisanal botanical concoctions, what matters is making intentional choices that serve you. Mainstream brands offer accessibility, affordability and familiarity that many people need. While I'll always champion independent brands too, this episode is my passionate reminder that everyone deserves a seat at the mindful drinking table—no justification required.

0:00 How Heineken 0.0 started it
2:11 I don't care what you drink
2:57 Big Alcohol AND Independent Brands
4:11 Not all good / Not all bad
6:24 Finding What Works For You: Supermarket sweep
7:25 It's not a competition

Also mentioned:
Heineken 0.0*
Guinness 0.0*
Peroni 0.0*
Wise Bartender*
Dry Drinker*

Get 10% off at Wise Bartender & Dry Drinker with code LOWNODRINKERMAGAZINE

Best episode to listen to next:
#78 What no one tells you about your tastes when you start drinking low/no
#79 Powerful Mindset Shifts That Will Transform Your Experience with Low/No Drinks – pt1

If you could spare me two minutes to rate and review the show on your podcasting app of choice, you'll make me the happiest little podcaster in all of Low No Nation 😊

=========

Low No Drinker: The ONLY twice-weekly podcast bringing you closer to the people, places and brands leading the low, no & light alcohol revolution.

Helping you to find, understand and enjoy low, no and light drinks.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

DOWNLOAD COOL FREE STUFF FROM LOW NO DRINKER MEDIA


*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.

Sonja Mitchell is the founder of Jump Ship, the award-winning Scottish alcohol-free brewery making waves in the low/no space. From knowing absolutely nothing about brewing to winning 'Scottish Small Brewery of the Year', Sonja shares her remarkable journey—including launch delays, a pandemic pivot, and even a David and Goliath-esque legal battle.

0:00 Sonja's story
4:09 Building the business step by step
6:03 When brewing goes wrong
9:44 Pandemic setbacks
13:33 Opening her own brewery
21:24 The Jump Ship Range
24:35 Taking BrewDog to court
28:11 Chuckleberry sour
29:32 Making alcohol-free sour beers
31:08 Why brewing to 0.5% makes a better beer
35:07 Jump Ship non-alcoholic beer on draught
38:22 Why it's hard to find alcohol-free on draught
42:28 Naming the brand & nautical flags
47:05 Getting listed in Selfridges
49:46 Alcohol-free: A growing market
52:30 Led by the consumer
55:10 Labelling confusion
59:06 Finding Jump Ship
59:54 The BBQ-Q

TRY JUMP SHIP* // @JUMPSHIPBEER

WE ALSO TALK ABOUT:
Noughty AF*
Love No More
Wilfred’s*
Dry Drinker*
Big Drop*

BEST EPISODE TO CHECK OUT NEXT
#24 Going international with Big Drop Brewing co-founder Rob Fink

Low No Drinker Magazine is available online or in print anywhere in the world.

Head to lownodrinkermagazine.com/subscribe and start your free trial today!

If you could spare me two minutes to rate and review the show on your podcasting app of choice, you'll make me the happiest little podcaster in all of Low No Nation 😊

=========

Low No Drinker: The ONLY twice-weekly podcast bringing you closer to the people, places and brands leading the low, no & light alcohol revolution.

Helping you to find, understand and enjoy low, no and light drinks.

SUBSCRIBE TO LOW NO DRINKER MAGAZINE ONLINE OR IN PRINT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

DOWNLOAD COOL FREE STUFF FROM LOW NO DRINKER MEDIA


*Some links are affiliate links, and if you click through and make a purchase, Low No Drinker may earn a commission. Thank you.