Scotland's only entirely sober bar to open in city centre this Autumn
Kate was influenced by the sober bars of Manhattan, Los Angeles and London, where guests can have a good time in a relaxed environment without the pressures of alcohol.
The entrepreneur was inspired by her best friend Isla Nicoll to open SOBR after she decided to give up drinking.
'I was so incredibly touched by Isla's journey in becoming sober that I knew I wanted to create a space for everyone,' Kate said.
'We both went on this journey together and I could see her life transform in front of my eyes. She was smashing half marathons, getting promoted at work, and was just dealing with everyday pressures so much better than she ever had.
Kate and her friend Isla, who inspired the creation of the bar. (Image: Newsquest)
"We realised when we were out for dinner or social occasions that there weren't great options for people who don't drink. We were looking for something or somewhere that had the same appeal as going out for a cocktail does, just without being surrounded by alcohol. That's when I began thinking seriously about SOBR.'
SOBR will be the first of its kind in Aberdeen and is Scotland's only current sober bar.
It will have everything from non-alcoholic wine, spirits, beer, cider and cocktails, and the team will also offer a menu of non-alcoholic birthday 'shots'.
There will also be functional drinks, or as Kate describes them, drinks with a purpose. From those that help with detoxing, give you an energy boost or help you relax, each will have specific beneficial health-focused ingredients. Local coffee and hot drinks will also be served, as well as the bar's pièce de résistance - seasonal and exclusive theatrical cocktails.
And she's not stopping there. Kate will also employ the help of local food businesses to curate snacks that will be served alongside the drinks.
'The vision is to have a community feel and bring the small businesses of Aberdeen together,' she added.
'I'm excited about the rotating snacks offering we're working with local suppliers on. Scottish producers will be the focus for our drinks menu primarily, and we'll collaborate with local businesses for events.'
Hayden Geraghty, who has more than 10 years' experience in the hospitality industry, has been appointed as general manager of the bar and will oversee one full-time and several part-time staff.
Kate describes the hostelry as moody, cosy and romantic with a warm, art deco vibe. Local interior designer, Angela Shaw, has been overseeing the project's renovations, which started at the end of July.
She added: 'It will be a home from home where you can put your feet up, relax and chill in a sophisticated atmosphere. It's a place for people to feel safe and included while still having an amazing night with great company. It's something unique for the city.
Inside SOBR (Image: Newsquest)
'I think SOBR will mean so much to people who are experiencing health issues and want to be like other people - to go out and have a drink but can't for whatever reason and be a safe space for people who maybe don't necessarily realise they are addicted to alcohol.
'You can come to SOBR, have multiple drinks and still feel good about yourself, and it's an opportunity for people to align their health goals with going out for a lovely night and still being able to look after themselves.'
Kate's professional background is in marketing, a skill she is putting to good use in her new role.
However, her own health journey is also a huge part of SOBR's story.
When Kate was three, she contracted E. coli. Both of her kidneys began to fail. At just seven she received a transplant from her mum, spending time in and out of hospital until her kidney started to fail again at 19. She underwent another transplant surgery at 23 and spent years studying at college and Robert Gordon University while working and receiving dialysis.
Life was good until she contracted Covid three times and had to step back from her career in marketing. To keep motivated, she decided to train to become a part-time teacher, however, due to her weakened immune system she was at high risk of picking up germs from the children and was hospitalised in July 2024, with complications lasting late into the year.
It was January 2025 when Kate began to rethink her options and SOBR became a chance to build a business based on her values and to provide a welcoming, safe space for all.
Kate currently volunteers with Business Improvement District, Aberdeen Inspired, which runs initiatives to support city centre businesses and says the team have been instrumental in supporting her with the project.
SOBR has been self-funded by the businesswoman and will be open Wednesday to Sunday from 2-10pm.
For more information, visit SOBR's website and Instagram page.
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