Ditch sore head and embark on an alcoholiday

COULD write a whole column about how good Guinness 0.0 is. You may have seen it. UK pubs are increasingly offering it in cans and it's on tap in a small but growing number of establishments. It's one of the best, if not the best, alcohol-free alternative on the market. Whether you're driving, are off the booze or have had an op like the friend who introduced me to its delights, you really can enjoy the taste and sensation of Guinness without the alcohol.

- by Matt Nixson

The no/low sector in general is in the midst of a revolution. Figures from The Wine and Spirit Trade Association reveal sales in the year to June rocketed by 44% in pubs and restaurants, with retail sales up by 11%. (Almost all other parts of the market saw a fall, both on and off-trade, largely thanks to Chancellor Rachel Reeves raising alcohol duty — with the added irony booze taxes are set to rake in nearly £1billion LESS than forecast this year). But the increasing popularity of no/low reflects the greater choice, quality and sheer drinkability. Zero beer may be the obvious choice, but sales of wine, spirits and botanicals sans alcohol are up, too. Possibly thanks to Gen Z, anecdotally, not drinking as much, or thanks to more health-conscious older age groups, big brands now recognise drinkers don’t always want to wake up with a hangover. Raise a glass to