Wellness Whilst Still Enjoying London’s Drinking Culture?

Drinking has health risks. We are all aware of this fact and the only solution is, unfortunately, abstinence. Nevertheless, our golden years in London seem absolutely dominated by an intense drinking culture. Where is the fine line between having the best time you can, and simply descending down the dark and costly path to health problems? Obviously, no one actually knows and it varies from person to person. Hardened alcoholics can sober up and live well into old age while the most casual drinker can be struck down. Other forces are at play, so these ideas should be taken with a pinch of salt. But what sort of simple hacks can balance the cost? How can we drink without hurrying up our own last orders?

Drink Less at Home

The majority of people enjoy the odd glass at home. However, would those units not be better distributed when out having a good time? One needs to be careful to avoid the logic of dangerous binge drinking- consuming a week’s unit allowance in one night. But surely a few down the pub with friends and a break is better than a regular serving to one’s self.

Having said that, we thought this image posed a tempting challenge…

Prioritise When You Drink

Does a trip to the cinema really need a glass of wine? Probably not. A birthday party or stag night probably do. A relaxed afternoon in the pub can be nice now and then, but why not save those pints for a real party. Even in a restaurant it can be nicer and cheaper to just have tap water and then go for a drink in a real bar. Choose a bar that has live music or a performance so you have more to do than just drink.

Drinking Better

Rather than a few tins of lager at home, go to one of London’s amazing cocktail bars. If you do drink, make it worthwhile. It’s like food calories. Have any pleasant inebriating effects as the fortunate side-effects of a good time, in a good place with good people and good drinks. This is far more satisfying and healthier in many ways than simply drinking to get hammered. The expense works as a good ‘buffer’ so your wallet doesn’t outweigh the real cost on your body.

Samplings

Sampling a variety of products means a lot more of an experience and surprisingly less consumption. London is full of low-cost gin tastings run as brand promotions where small amounts of boutique gins are tasted over an evening. Some wine bars like Vagabond in Fitzrovia have self-serve machines where you get 30ml samples of various wines. When you find one of the many varieties you like you can commit to a full glass, or a bottle to enjoy in or take away with you. This shows a more continental approach of fine wine, as opposed to Jaeger shots, Strongbows and a kebab on the way home.

 

Count the Pounds

We don’t want to be spoilsports, but how much do you really spend on drink? Units aside, work out your weekly expenditure and just think where else that could go- new clothes, fine dining, a more interesting weekend? We all know £4+ per pint is a ripoff. Set a budget and you will look after yourself and your wallet.

Easy contactless payments ruin your bank and your liver. A good trick is to carry your budget in cash. Then, you know precisely how much you have and what you have spent. We wouldn’t suggest going out without your card, but this would avoid being talked into one more round later on. When you do run out, remember everywhere has free tap water so you can still join in.

 

Walk Don’t Crawl

While the toxic effects of alcohol can’t be avoided, the calorific content can be utilised. Ever seen a cocktail waiter set fire to a round of drinks? That’s the kind of energy held in alcohol that, if it isn’t used, will be stored as fat. The good thing is, you may have noticed going out seems to give you a lot of exercise. Journeying between bars and transferring between nightbuses can add up to a reasonable amount of brisk walking. The fresh air will sober you up so you sleep better, unlike being deposited outside your front door by an Uber.

 

These are just common-sense suggestions. For the real facts see and an app to help you cut down, see www.drinkaware.co.uk/

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