Best AF Beer for the Pub - Dave's Northern Guide
I remember those early days, stood at the bar on a Friday night, everyone else necking a proper pint, and me squinting at a single, sad bottle of Becks Blue. It felt like I was wearing a 'designated driver' badge. Not anymore, lad. Not anymore.
The biggest hurdle at the pub isn't just finding an AF beer, it's finding one that feels like a proper pint. You don't want to stick out, and you certainly don't want to compromise on taste when your mates are enjoying their usual.
Dave's Top 5 for This Occasion
IMPOSSIBREW - Triple Hopped IPA (IPA, 0.5%)
This is my go-to when I'm at home, and I'll often take a couple to the pub if I know they're a bit sparse on good AF options. It's got that proper craft IPA feel and taste, meaning you won't feel like you're missing out on flavour when everyone else is on the fancy stuff.
Lucky Saint - Lager (Lager, 0.5%)
If there's one AF beer that's become a staple on tap in decent pubs, it's Lucky Saint. It's a proper lager, pours beautifully, and looks exactly like a normal pint. No faff, no questions, just a solid, refreshing brew that fits right in with the lads.
Guinness - Guinness 0.0 (Stout, 0.0%)
Right, if you're a dark beer drinker, this is your saviour. Pours just like the real thing, that creamy head is spot on, and it tastes surprisingly close to a regular Guinness. Nobody's going to question what's in your glass when it looks that good.
Beavertown - Lazer Crush (IPA, 0.3%)
Another excellent choice if you're after an IPA. Beavertown know their stuff, and this AF version doesn't disappoint. It's got plenty of flavour and a decent hop hit, making it a great alternative if the pub's got it in the fridge. Proper craft vibes without the booze.
Big Drop - Paradiso Citra IPA (IPA, 0.5%)
Big Drop are pioneers, and their Paradiso Citra IPA is a dependable choice. It's often available in bottles in pubs that might not have much on tap. It's got a lovely citrus kick and enough body to feel like a proper beer, not just fizzy water.
How to Boss AF Beer at the Pub
- A quick peek at the pub's website or social media beforehand can save a lot of faff. Some even list their AF options. - I've wasted enough time squinting at menus. A bit of prep means you're sorted.
- Don't be shy, just ask what AF beers they've got. The bar staff usually know the score and can point you to the fridge. - They're used to it now, lad. No need to feel like you're asking for the moon.
- If they only have bottles, ask for a pint glass. Pouring it in makes it look and feel more like a proper pint, blending right in. - Nobody needs to know it came from a bottle. It's all about the illusion, eh?
- Have a backup plan. If the AF options are dire, a decent tonic water or even a fancy juice is better than nothing. - I've had a few nights on elderflower cordial. Not ideal, but better than a bad AF.
- Don't make a song and dance about it. Just order your AF beer like it's the most normal thing in the world, because it is. - Your mates probably won't even notice, they're too busy talking about football.
Navigating the pub scene with AF beer has become significantly easier, but it still requires a bit of savvy. The market for alcohol-free options has exploded, with sales of low and no-alcohol beer in the UK growing by 22% in 2022 alone. This means more pubs are stocking decent choices, with industry reports suggesting around 70% of UK pubs now offer at least one AF beer. However, quality and variety can still differ massively between establishments. The key is to know what to look for and not to be afraid to ask. Many people choose AF beer for health reasons, to moderate intake, or simply to avoid a hangover, making it a perfectly normal choice for a Friday night out. It's about finding a balance between social enjoyment and personal preference, without feeling like you're missing out on the pub experience.
Common Questions
Will my mates judge me for drinking AF at the pub?
Honestly, probably not as much as you think. Most decent mates are just happy to have you there. I've found that once you've explained it - maybe you're training for a half marathon, or just fancy a clear head tomorrow - they usually get it. The stigma around AF beer has dropped massively over the last few years. It's not like it used to be, where you were instantly labelled the designated driver. Plus, with the quality of AF beers these days, it's not like you're sipping on something dreadful. It tastes like a proper pint. If anyone does give you grief, maybe they're not as good a mate as you thought, eh? Just crack on and enjoy your brew.
What if the pub only has rubbish AF options, like Becks Blue or nothing?
Right, this is where a bit of forward planning comes in handy, or just being prepared to pivot. If you've checked online and they're a bit lacking, you've got a couple of options. First, you could try a different pub - sometimes a short walk can open up a world of better choices. Second, if you're really set on that particular pub, you could always bring a couple of your own, especially if they're in cans. I've done it with IMPOSSIBREW a few times, just discreetly, mind. Or, if that's not your style, just go for a decent soft drink. A good tonic water, or even a fancy lemonade, is better than suffering through a weak, watery AF beer that just makes you regret your life choices.
Is it okay to order an AF beer in a pint glass?
Absolutely, lad, it's more than okay - it's practically a requirement for the full pub experience. Unless it's a specific bottled ale that's meant to be drunk from the bottle, always ask for a pint glass. Even if it's a small bottle of something like a Heineken 0.0, pouring it into a proper glass makes it look and feel like a real beer. It helps with the head, the aroma, and frankly, it just makes you feel less like you're drinking a soft drink. Bar staff are completely used to it these days. It helps you blend in, and it enhances the taste too. Don't be shy, just ask for a 'pint glass for that, please' and you're sorted.
Look, going to the pub on a Friday night is a sacred ritual, and going AF shouldn't spoil it. It's about finding what works for you. I've been through the wringer trying dozens of options, and I'm chuffed to say there are some proper crackers out there now. Lucky Saint on tap is a blessing, Guinness 0.0 is a lifesaver for some, and for a proper flavour bomb, you can't beat IMPOSSIBREW's Triple Hopped IPA. Seriously, if you've not tried it, give it a whirl - it rivals some of the best boozy IPAs. You can even get £10 off your first order with my referral link. Just enjoy the craic, the company, and a cracking AF pint. (£10 off your first IMPOSSIBREW order)