Inside thriving Dry Dock, Weymouth - a pub without alcohol

As you head along St Thomas Street into the town centre, it isn't long before the sound of live music and laughter draws you into the fledgling pub.

Dry Dock exterior (Image: Sam Watson)

Dry Dock is Weymouth’s first non-alcoholic pub which aims to provide a "warm and inclusive" space which brings the community together. 

The pub, created in a former opticians, features everything you would associate with a regular bar, including a dartboard, pool table and jukebox.

It has been a year since Dry Dock opened its doors, becoming both a vibrant community hotspot and a safe space for people coping with loneliness, addiction and mental health issues.

Inside Dry Dock (Image: Sam Watson)

The venue in St Thomas Street also offers a quiet space which can be used by community groups.

Founder Sam Watson, who is recovering from alcoholism, has shared the importance of bringing a safe space to vulnerable members of the community. 

He said: “The whole idea was to create a space for people to come and socialise in a pub style environment without the alcohol.

“I think there is an issue with alcohol misuse across the county although an alcohol-free venue is not a defining aspect of what we are.

"It’s more about just socialising in an alcohol-free environment. I am recovering from alcoholism myself and I want to highlight that this isn’t a recovery café. It has an ethos of inclusivity – a place where everyone can get together and enjoy a space without alcohol.

Bar at Dry Dock (Image: Sam Watson)

“It supports people with mental health and drinking problems but it also just gets the community together for a good time. It’s a good social venue without the issues that alcohol can sometimes bring.

The venue has a great range of non-alcoholic lagers on draft as well as beers, wines and beverages on offer, including Lucky Saint, Free Damm, Guinness and Doom Bar.

Many community groups use Dry Dock to host their sessions, such as Weymouth Community Choir, with the pub also hosting Open Mic nights every Friday and weekly pub quizzes. 

Aside from its lively atmosphere, Mr Watson also adds how the space has had a "life-changing impact" on some people in the community, helping them overcome feelings of social anxiety which may have been heightened since the pandemic. 

He said: "Covid has impacted people’s social skills and a lot of people had anxiety issues about coming outside. This inclusive environment supports people to come out in the community.

"Somebody came to the Dry Dock the first time a year ago who had not socialised or left his bedroom for five years. He came to the Dry Dock to start coming to a mental health group and now he has become a facilitator and got back to work.

Sam Watson, founder of Dry Dock (Image: Sam Watson)

"To see them grow and be part of the community project is special and worthwhile."

In celebration of its one year anniversary, Dry Dock is hosting a networking event on Sunday August 5, to thank all groups and organisations that have used the venue. 

Mr Watson added: "We see people coming in day after day so we get to know them. It gives me a warm fuzzy feeling inside knowing that something positive is happening in the community."

"The event is not just a happy birthday but its a big thank you to everyone who has supported us. We hope to continue growing and thriving as we head into year two."