Mindful consumption in events and the rise of no-alcohol trends

The UK’s relationship with alcohol is evolving. Once considered a social staple, a renewed focus on health and wellness is leading many people to reconsider their approach to drinking.

The UK’s relationship with alcohol is evolving. Once considered a social staple, a renewed focus on health and wellness is leading many people to reconsider their approach to drinking.

According to Drinkaware, 44% of UK drinkers now moderate their alcohol intake using alcohol-free or low-alcohol drinks, up from 31% in 2018. Younger, affluent and low-risk drinkers are leading the way, with uptake of low-alcohol drinks among 18 - 34-year-olds rising from 28% in 2018 to 49% in 2025.

For event organisers and hospitality teams, this trend is shaping how events are planned and catered for. Low-alcohol and alcohol-free options have become essential components of inclusive, modern events that reflect the preferences of this health-conscious audience.

Alcohol-free offerings at RCP London Events 

In response to this growing demand, at RCP London Events,  we have prioritised alcohol-free options in our event menus,  presenting alcohol-free wines, spirits and mocktails on the first page of our seasonal menus to make the choice effortless for oragnisers and guests alike.

We partner with REAL Drinks Co. to offer award-winning, British non-alcoholic sparkling wine alternatives that are 100% natural and vegan.

Alcohol-free beverages and creativity 

We see our alcohol-free options as an opportunity to be just as creative and considered as we are with traditional drinks, which is why our mocktail selection focuses on fresh, layered flavours and seasonal ingredients. From the crisp, aromatic ‘Apple, elderflower and mint sparkle’ mocktail to the herbaceous ‘English Garden’ with cucumber, basil and cloudy apple juice, each drink is designed to deliver balance and depth. For those who prefer something sharper, options like the ‘Sting of the Bee’ and our ‘Lemon virgin mojito’ bring citrus, spice and freshness together in a way that feels every bit as refined as a classic cocktail.

We’ve also carefully curated our alcohol-free sparkling and spirit alternatives to reflect the growing demand for elevated no-alcohol choices. We offer sophisticated sparkling options including the ‘Real Royal Flush Fruity Sparkling’, ‘Real Dry Dragon’ and ‘Real Dry Peony Blush’ - each chosen for its character, from bright stone fruit notes to more complex, dry finishes. 

Alongside these, we serve 0% versions of favourites beer, rum and gin, ensuring there’s something familiar as well as something new to discover. We want to champion a category that’s evolving rapidly and give it the same quality and sense of occasion as the rest of our drinks list.

The evolution of event catering

The move away from alcohol is part of a broader shift in event catering, where planners are prioritising nourishing menus that support wellbeing and energy levels. Plant-based options, low-sugar drinks and nutrient-rich snacks are becoming central to creating events that ensure delegates feel nourished and energised throughout the day.

At RCP London Events we meticulously curate our menus striking a balance between indulgence and wellness.
We provide our clients with a choice at every opportunity. Our plant-based and healthy options are continuously reviewed and developed, and they are placed at the very beginning of our menus for fullest visibility. This is a key decision factor for RCP London Events’ clients, many of whom are medically minded and conscious of what their delegates fuel themselves with.
 

Responding to environmental and health concerns

Organisers are increasingly integrating plant-based dishes as standard rather than alternative options, responding to both health and environmental concerns. Research from The Vegan Society shows that 49% of people are more likely to choose plant-based meals when they are presented first on a menu, an insight we apply at RCP London Events to make healthier choices easy and visible for all attendees.

Beyond plant-based diets, there is also growing interest in menus designed for sustained energy and productivity. Ingredients such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, and nutrient-dense vegetables are being prioritised at conferences, workshops, and long-day meetings. This shift ensures that attendees remain alert and engaged throughout the event.

Low-alcohol trends are part of a wider ethos of sustainability and mindful consumption. At RCP London Events, we include initiatives such as our Low GI lunch, featuring low glycaemic index (GI) ingredients to help prevent energy crashes and ensure delegates remain productive and engaged throughout the day.
 

Crafting the future event experience

As mindful lifestyles shape events’ choices, organisers face both opportunities and responsibilities. At RCP London Events, we combine creativity, expertise and thoughtful menu design to ensure every detail - from alcohol-free beverages to carefully balanced menus - supports delegates’ needs. By anticipating guest expectations and designing events with wellbeing and inclusivity at the forefront, we help organisers deliver experiences that leave a lasting impression.