Kenilworth pub provides Eat Out to Help Out guide to non-alcoholic drinks

From Mondays to Wednesdays throughout August thousands of pubs, restaurants and cafes across the country will be taking part in the Government-backed scheme Eat Out to Help Out.

In an attempt to kick-start and support the hospitality industry which has seen huge job losses and closures in recent months due to COVID-19, Eat Out to Help Out is a great excuse for us all to enjoy a bite to eat and (non-alcoholic) drink at our favourite places.

Over 100 pubs, restaurants and cafes in Warwickshire have signed up to the initiative which means that customers can enjoy not only great food and drink, but up to £10 of savings per person off the bill.

Andy Lock who is the General Manager at the Virgins & Castle said: "Of course as a great local, long-standing pub, we’ve got a large selection of beers, wines and spirits. During the Eat Out to Help Out initiative that we’re taking part in, these drinks will still be available, but won’t be eligible for discount and so we’ll be pointing people to our Temperance Bar.

"This is our selection of non-alcoholic drinks that can be enjoyed in the garden, relaxing in a snug or along with a delicious pub meal.

"Here are my top 10 favourites.

"Seedlip - A great gin & tonic: Seedlip have two great gins - an Aromatic and a Spiced and both go really well with a Fever Tree Tonic.

"This is a really popular non-alcoholic gin and tonic that we serve and it’s a brand that we’re starting to see more and more of in the supermarkets and health shops.

"Belle & Co Sparkling Wine: When you want to treat yourself, or perhaps raise a glass to toast a celebration, this sparkling wine is a great choice. We often serve this sparkling wine in our events business Caviar & Chips Catering for weddings and events. It’s made with a green tea as well as grape, it’s vegan and low in calories, so ticks lots of boxes.

"Heineken 0%: When you just want a bottle of beer, Heineken 0% is a popular choice for our guests who might be driving or just want to avoid a headache the next day. Same great Heineken taste but without the alcohol and one to enjoy in the beer garden.

"Old Mout Berries & Cherries: On to the ciders and Old Mout are known for their range of fruit flavoured ciders. The Berries and Cherries variety is as you can imagine fruity and sweet and with a gentle sparkle that all great ciders have. These are really easy and refreshing to drink and again another perfect choice for an August evening in the garden.

"Mother Root: Now to go a little more unusual and hark back to old American recipes of Ginger Switchel. Mother Root is a new brand that has been developed in the UK and comes in a really cool almost medicine-looking bottle. It has a fiery ginger kick and goes great with orange, ice and soda. Would go really nicely with a pub meal and after-dinner drink.

"Double Espresso: It goes without saying that a great coffee has to be in this list. For me making sure we served a freshly ground, locally sourced coffee was really important. Start the day with a breakfast, coffee and paper in the pub and you're on to a winner. We use Monsoon Coffee from Warwickshire and a Double Espresso is one of my favourites.

"Loose Leaf English Breakfast Tea: You can’t mention coffee without mentioning tea and again this makes the list because it’s locally sourced (again from Warwickshire) and chosen because of it’s distinct flavour. We use Golden Monkey Tea Co for all of our teas and whichever you choose they’re such good, quality teas that they’re a pleasure to enjoy on their own relaxing in one of our snugs.

"No 1 Living Kombucha: A brand developed by ex-England Rugby World Cup winner, Johnny Wilkinson, Kombucha is probably associated more as a health drink, but for me this makes a great alternative to a coke, lemonade or fizzy orange. Organic, made with real fruit and botanicals and with living culture, this drink is not only good for you but tastes great too.

"Belvoir Elderflower Press: A quintessentially English drink that is perfect to enjoy on a sunny afternoon in the garden. Also makes a lovely alternative to a glass of wine during a meal and is the epitome of summer for me.

"Virgin Mary Cocktail: I have to finish on what would be considered our signature cocktail - if we had one. Tomato juice, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, ground pepper, a dash of Tabasco and celery to garnish. It will give you a boost of energy, enjoy over a lunch and generally just feel good about yourself."