In the dark days of the new year there’s often an innate urge to do something different from last year. A new year, a new you. We’re bombarded with media exhorting us to give this up or abstain from that to begin the new revolution around the sun in a healthier, fitter and more prosperous way than we ended the last one.
When it comes to beer, though, giving up drinking altogether for a month could have an impact on your ability to drink beer when February comes. We’re not talking about the health impacts here – we agree that alcohol should be consumed in moderation and that everyone who chooses to drink should drink responsibly – we’re talking about the brewing and licensed retail industries.
Breweries, bottle shops, pubs and bars typically have a field day in the run up to the festive season. Family get togethers, office parties and general joyousness lead to good sales figures and happy bank managers. However, once the Christmas decorations are back in the attic, these businesses’ sales often fall off a cliff. After the turn of the year, a combination of customers’ lack of funds and general new year’s resolve can cause small, independent businesses real damage. If we then add in pledges to not drink for a month, it can make an already bleak outlook seem even worse.
In 2015, a group of volunteers set up Tryanuary to help support the beer industry through the challenges brought by this leanest of months. The idea is to try new beers throughout the month, with special events posted on the Tryanuary website to help beer enthusiasts find their way to new brews.
With pub closure figures still increasing, it’s a case of use it or lose it. If you really want to give up alcohol for a month, then the Tryanuary campaign suggests you still visit your local and have a non-alcoholic beer, a soft drink or a bite to eat instead of your usual tipple.
As for us, we’ll be offering up something interesting for our customers to try at our Tryanuary Tap Room and Bottle Shop on Saturday, 25 January and at Stroud Green Market on Sunday, 26 January.
Remember, a pub (or a brewery) is not just for Christmas!
