Commercial property: Brighton's first low and no-alcohol bar opens in Kemptown

Tørstigbar, a low and no-alcohol bar, recently opened its doors in Brighton and is gaining popularity amongst locals and tourists alike. The establishment boasts a wide selection of low-alcohol and alcohol-free drinks, catering to those who want to enjoy a night out without the risk of a hangover. 

Our solicitors helped secure the commercial lease for the premises at 45 George Street in the heart of Brighton's Kemptown neighbourhood. In recent years, the area has seen a significant increase in the number of businesses seeking property there, particularly in the hospitality and retail sectors.

Growing taste for low and no-alcohol drinks

Despite being only three months old, Tørstigbar has quickly become a favourite among patrons seeking a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere, with a carefully curated selection of low-alcohol and alcohol-free beers, mocktails, spirits and wines.

The bar, run by Luke and Emmi Cousins, meets the thirst of people who want to go out and enjoy Brighton's nightlife but are also joining the growing trend of alcohol-free drinking.

The story behind the bar began when Luke developed an intolerance to alcohol after falling ill with Covid-19 in 2020. After medical tests revealed nothing, he stopped trying to drink alcohol and started exploring the exciting new world of low and no-alcohol drinks.

Low-alcohol and no-alcohol drinks have become increasingly popular in the UK in recent years, driven by several factors, including a growing awareness of the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and a desire to make healthier choices.

Luke explains: 

"Most pubs and bars have only one and often no low-alcohol options. I was on vacation in Copenhagen when I first tried a really good locally brewed low-alcohol beer by Mikeller. I was so impressed that I began to wonder whether I could create an entire bar with low-alcohol products as good as the one I found in Denmark. Torstigbar was born, and the name is a homage to Denmark.

"At Torstigbar, we showcase the very best low and no-alcohol drinks available today. You can get a beer on draft, served to you in a pint glass. We are raising the bar for low-alcohol drinks by putting them front and centre, not an afterthought."

Torstigbar photos by @kittywshaw

The bar's popularity continues growing, hosting regular events, including wine-tasting and cocktail-making classes and an upcoming Eurovision Song Contest screening in May. The next stage in the business's journey will be the launch of the Torstigbar Membership and Torstigbar Taster deliveries. 

"We will offer a delivery service once weekly to local Brighton residents (BN1, BN2, BN3) so customers can enjoy our specialist low and no-alcohol products at home. A subscription to these deliveries (starting from a six-pack of beers) will grant you a Torstigbar Membership, which means you receive a discount when you visit the bar.

"We have been overwhelmed by the popularity and would love to share the Torstigbar idea with other cities - so watch this space for where the next bar pops up."

Commercial lease: 45 George St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1RJ

Hemmat Ovaisi, in our commercial property team, acted for Torstigbar to secure the commercial lease of 45 George St, Kemptown, Brighton BN2 1RJ, advising on all elements, including reviewing, negotiating and agreeing on the terms of the letting.

The prominent, refurbished commercial unit has an extensive window frontage and benefits from its location on George Street, which offers many vibrant independent retail shops, eateries and public houses. Around the corner, St James's Street is home to many well-known operators, including Morrisons, Sainsbury's Local, Starbucks, and Superdrug. 

Hemmat said:

"It was a pleasure working with Luke on the lease. Torstigbar is a fantastic idea, and it's no surprise it has been proving such a hit since its launch. As with all our commercial property clients, we look forward to building a long-lasting relationship and seeing the business grow. It is also great to see they have partnered with our long-established client, Purezza, to offer great-tasting vegan food at the bar!"

Luke said:

"It was a pleasure working with Hemmat. He was incredibly knowledgeable and helped me navigate the complex world of commercial leases. Thank you to Hemmat and the SO Legal team."

Find out more about Tørstigbar. 

Brighton commercial lease solicitors

Whether a landlord or tenant, our commercial lease solicitors can assist with negotiating and drafting your lease agreements, ensuring your interests are protected.

Based in Marlborough Street in Brighton, our experienced team offers various legal services to individuals and businesses in Brighton and across the South East.

With additional offices in Eastbourne, Hastings, London, Uckfield, and Ulverston, we're ideally placed to offer specialist commercial property support locally and nationally.