Janfest: A Toast to Flavour, Craft, and Community

Every January, the same well-meaning narrative rolls around: Dry January. 

For many people, it’s a reset, a pause, a moment of reflection, and that’s absolutely fine. 

But it’s not the only way to welcome the new year.

So let’s raise a glass (responsibly) to an alternative idea from That's Food and Drink: Janfest.

Janfest isn’t about excess. It’s about appreciation. It’s about celebrating the extraordinary diversity of beers, ales, stouts, porters, lagers, and ciders being crafted with care and passion by small and medium-sized producers across the UK and Ireland.

A Golden Age of Brewing and Cider Making

We are living through a genuine golden age of independent brewing. From tiny village breweries producing a single seasonal ale, to family-run cider makers pressing apples grown in traditional orchards, there has never been more choice, or more character, in the glass.

Across England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland, producers are:

Reviving historic beer styles

Experimenting with hops, malts, and yeasts

Protecting heritage cider apples

Brewing with local water, local ingredients, and local identity

These aren’t anonymous products rolled off a conveyor belt. They’re expressions of place, people, and tradition.

More Than a Drink: It’s Culture

Beer and cider are woven into the fabric of our islands. The pub isn’t just a place to drink—it’s a meeting point, a refuge from winter, a place where conversations happen and communities knit together.

Organisations like Campaign for Real Ale have spent decades championing real ale, independent pubs, and traditional methods, ensuring that flavour and craftsmanship aren’t lost to bland uniformity.

Janfest celebrates:

The village pub with a roaring fire and a rotating handpump or two

The market-town taproom pouring something new each week

The quiet joy of discovering a cider that tastes of sharp apples and soft earth

A Gentle Rebellion Against One-Size-Fits-All

Dry January can sometimes feel like a moral instruction rather than a personal choice. Janfest gently pushes back against that idea.

You don’t have to abstain to be mindful.

You don’t have to apologise for enjoyment.

You don’t have to follow a trend to start the year well.

Choosing a single, well-made pint from an independent brewer can be an act of intention. Sharing a bottle of craft cider with a friend can be an act of connection. Supporting small producers in the bleakest trading month of the year can be an act of solidarity.

Drink Less, Drink Better

At the heart of Janfest is a simple philosophy: drink better, not more.

That might mean:

One pint instead of three

Savouring flavour rather than chasing strength

Seeking out producers with a story and a soul

Choosing quality over quantity

This is about pleasure with purpose, not mindless consumption.

Supporting Small Producers When It Matters Most

January is tough for hospitality and independent producers. The festive rush is over, the weather is grim, and footfall drops sharply. Choosing to support local breweries, cider makers, and pubs during this period genuinely makes a difference.

Every pint poured from a small producer:

Helps keep skills alive

Supports rural and regional economies

Keeps choice and diversity thriving

Welcome to Janfest

Janfest isn’t anti-health. It isn’t anti-moderation. And it certainly isn’t anti-choice.

It’s a celebration of:

Craft over conformity

Local over anonymous

Enjoyment without guilt

So if Dry January works for you, that’s brilliant. But if it doesn’t, if you’d rather start the year by celebrating flavour, craftsmanship, and community, then welcome to Janfest.

Here’s to the brewers, the cider makers, the publicans, and the quiet joy of a well-earned winter pint. Cheers. 

Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic: Fuelling the Dry January Movement for the Third Year Running

Lyre’s Non-Alcoholic, a trailblazer in the realm of alcohol free beverages, is thrilled to announce its third consecutive year as the Official Wine & Spirit of Dry January®, an initiative organised by Alcohol Change UK. 

As a renowned brand in the global non-alcoholic beverage industry, Lyre’s offers an exceptional range of sixteen alcohol free classic spirits, five ready-to-drink options, and Classico, which is a sparkling wine alternative. 

Lyre’s remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting mindful drinking and providing consumers with sophisticated alternatives to traditional alcoholic beverages, which aligns perfectly for those looking to partake in Dry January®, or simply the sober curious. 

Dry January® is a global phenomenon, with millions of participants worldwide opting to abstain from alcohol for the entire month. The initiative which is led by Alcohol Change UK, focuses on raising awareness about the effects of alcohol and supporting individuals in their journey towards better health and well-being. 

Of note in the U.K. almost nine million people took part  in Dry January® in 2023, with a staggering 88% of participants feeling a profound sense of accomplishment as well as financial savings, too. As well as this, 70% reported experiencing improved sleep, while 63% found themselves with increased energy levels after completing Dry January®. 

Lyre’s sponsorship of Dry January® underscores its commitment to empowering consumers to enjoy their favourite cocktails in a non-alcoholic format, all while nurturing a sense of community and well-being. As the official sponsor for Dry January® 2024, Lyre’s will continue to play a pivotal role in championing this global movement, supporting individuals in the quest for healthier and more mindful choices and highlighting the delectable, tasty alcohol free possibilities.  

As part of Lyre’s activation around Dry January®, the brand is joining with renowned adventurer and TV personality Ollie Ollerton, in partnership with Alcohol Change UK to present the Dry January® 10k. 

This event provides an opportunity for participants to shift their focus from traditional bar experiences to a more health-conscious lifestyle. Engaging in Dry January® 10k offers several tangible benefits, such as improved sleep, increased energy, heightened mental acuity, and financial savings. 

This event represents the commitment to personal growth and a healthier, alcohol-free beginning to the year. It stands as a testament to the rewards of embracing a mindful and balanced lifestyle. Lyre’s will be hosting dedicated offers for people to sign up to complete the challenge with Alcohol Change UK, including a giveaway of 10,000 free cocktails of its award-winning spirits in select on trade venues across the country. 

Lyre’s award-winning range of non-alcoholic spirits is designed to captivate the senses and redefine the art of alcohol-free mixology. From capturing the rich depth of whiskey to delivering the refreshing essence of gin and the tropical vibes of rum, Lyre’s offers a sophisticated alcohol-free experience. The diverse portfolio aligns directly to the brand’s vision of changing the way the world drinks.  

By providing a compelling. flavourful alternative to traditional spirits, Lyre’s is rewriting the narrative of mindful drinking, inviting individuals to relish life’s memorable moments without compromise. Hero products include Classico Grande (£9.99 per bottle), Negoni Set (£63.50),  Amaretti (£23.50), Amalfi Spritz (made from Lyre’s Italian Spritz £23.50 & Classico £9.99 per bottle), Espresso Martini Set (£44.65), Mojito (made from Lyre’s White Cane Spirit £23.50) and Passionstar Martini (made from Lyre’s Dry London Spirit £23.50 and Classico £9.99 per bottle) which can be purchased on Amazon, or the Lyre’s website. 

Paul Gloster, CEO Lyre’s comments:“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Dry January® and Alcohol Change UK for a third year running. It is a natural fit for us, as we share the same mission of helping individuals make more mindful choices about their alcohol consumption while enjoying the flavours they love. We look forward to another year of supporting this impactful movement.” 

Richard Piper, CEO, Alcohol Change UK comments: “I am so delighted that Lyre’s are the Official Spirit and Wine of Dry January®, supporting Alcohol Change UK to reach even more people as they take part in our incredibly effective, digital behaviour change intervention. Lyre’s is a brilliant company with stunning products and we are so proud of our partnership.”

Consumers who wish to Try Dry this Dry January® can do so by registering on the Alcohol Change UK website or by downloading the Try Dry app. Here, users will find a host of useful tips and tricks to help them get through the month, as well as more information on Lyre’s official sponsorship. 

For more information, visit www.lyres.co.uk and follow @LyresSpiritCo on Instagram with #LyresSpiritCo, #Lyres and #stayspirited, and Facebook.

TRIP is the official soft drink of Dry January. Find out what TRIP can do for you

Every January, people all over the UK decide to ditch drinking for the month. Considering that a third of adults report feeling anxious after alcohol (TRIP), breaking boozy habits is certainly a good way to start the year feeling healthier and happier.

Last year, 2023, 9 million UK adults participated in Dry January® (Alcohol Change UK), with similar numbers of participants expected this year. 

But one in three fail to make it to the end of the month without reverting to their usual drinking habits (reports YouGov); the tools and support of Alcohol Change UK make it much easier to enjoy lasting success.

Why? Studies show people often drink in order to unwind, and alcohol alternatives generally don't have the same calming effect. Swapping out your usual tipple for a booze-free option might leave you hangover-less, but often the soft drinks we reach for are filled with sugar or have other additives that won't help you to relax in the same way a glass of wine with dinner does.

It's for this reason Dry January® is widely assumed to be a month of sacrifice. We forget it doesn't have to be this way. Not drinking doesn't need to be boring.

Wellness expert and co-founder of non-alcoholic CBD drink brand TRIP Olivia Ferdi that it's possible to take the edge off without reverting to our normal drinking habits: “CBD can be an exciting part in how we socialise.”

But why the sudden demand? Studies indicate people are increasingly giving up drinking, and since most alcohol alternatives generally don't have the same calming effect, only TRIP can help people unwind in a similar way.

In the first month of this year, approximately 8.8 million adults attempted to go without alcohol (Source: Alcohol Change UK), and with its delicious and functional flavours, TRIP helped many of these people stay on track. In fact, among Generation Z - the most likely age group to be teetotal - 1 in 2 have now tried a CBD drink (Source: KAM Media and Drinkaware). 

As part of their awareness driving for Dry January, TRIP has begun working with Roman Kemp, a vocal advocate for looking after your mental health; Olivia Ferdi comments, “Roman was a natural choice to partner with to promote our Dry January campaign, which is encouraging people to unwind naturally with TRIP and avoid the dreaded alcohol hangiexty.”

Roman Kemp adds, "Have you recently been affected by that dreaded word… hangxiety? Well, you don't have to feel like that, that's why I'm sticking with TRIP. A non-alcoholic drink that still gives me that relaxation and feelings of unwinding without the horrible aftermath and only 24 calories, too."

With 30 million impressions on TikTok and Instagram in January alone it's increasingly obvious just how in demand these kinds of functional alcohol alternatives really are. It seems that the only way is up for TRIP. As a result, TRIP now appears above both trip.com and Tripadvisor when searching 'TRIP' on Google! As consumers change their habits to drive soft drink sales, it's no coincidence that the official drink of Dry January®, TRIP, is also the fastest selling soft drink nationwide.

https://www.drink-trip.com

Refresh Your Taste Buds This Dry January With Thatchers Zero

Keen to try a refreshing alternative this Dry January?

Let Thatchers Zero Cider, the UK's #1 alcohol-free apple cider,  refresh your taste buds.

An alcohol-free cider with body, smoothness and character, Thatchers Zero has a crisp, medium dry character and a fruity aroma. This Somerset cider retains the taste and character of a true cider but without the alcohol.

It's the first choice for those who don't want to compromise on taste and enjoyment when opting for alcohol-free.

Crafted using a selection of their favourite bittersweet apple varieties at their mill in the heart of Somerset, they make sure their alcohol-free Zero quenches the thirst for drinkers who want a premium experience, delivering on taste and enjoyment.

Thatchers has been crafting ciders since 1904. Four generations later, they're still independently owned and family operated, with a passion for making the best quality ciders sustainably, always putting their heart and soul into their ciders.

Low and no drinks are now part of regular drinking occasions, and as the UK's #1 alcohol-free apple cider, Thatchers Zero can quench the thirst all year round for those looking for a premium low or no cider.

At Thatchers they've worked very hard to create a 0% cider that delivers on taste. And the result? Thatchers Zero is creating huge interest from drinkers who recognise Zero can provide the social enjoyment but without the alcohol.

Like all other ciders in their range, Thatchers Zero is gluten free and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.