Holland & Barrett opening ‘first-of-its kind wellness pub’

The Wellness Tap opens tomorrow (Thursday 9) and Friday (10 July) in Clerkenwell, London, where there will be a range of events taking place at the site including interactive pub quizzes and live DJ sets. The pop-up venue will offer free, no-alcohol ‘hydration’ pints on tap as well as offer expert advice, products and accessible wellbeing solutions. Holland & Barrett director of missions Lina Chan said: “Summer is all about enjoying every single drop of sunshine but let’s be honest, it’s incredibly easy to hit an energy wall before the season is even halfway thorugh. “Our State of the Nation’s Health study shows 41% of adults reported a massive lack of energy over the past year, with summer heavily impacting this. “We want to show the nation that you don’t have to compromise and miss out. By backing your body with a little wellness attention, you can say ‘yes’ to everything summer has to offer.” This isn’t the first time a retailer has opened an on-trade venue as last month (June) saw Lidl open its first pub . The Middle Ale is at the supermarket giant’s Dundonald store in Northern Ireland and opened its doors on Wednesday 17 June after a three-month construction project. The 60 seater wet-led venue is adjacent to the existing store, accessed via a separate entrance and operates independently from the shop. Rye River Brewing Company is the house pour alongside other branded draught beer and ciders on tap with zero alcohol options also available. At the opening, Lidl Northern Ireland regional managing director Gordon Cruikshanks said: “The feedback from customers so far has been extremely positive and we’re thrilled to toast the Dundonald community and celebrate bringing our full range to local shoppers, as well as a much-needed community space to serve the thriving town.” Back in 2023, Tesco opened its first pub to celebrate the King’s coronation. The King in the Castle temporarily took over the Castle pub in Farringdon, central London across Thursday 4 and Friday 5 May. The supermarket said it made the move to encourage people to come together with friends and family and celebrate the King’s coronation by being able to spend less money, with aperitivos and courses at what it called ‘affordable prices’. The pub was decorated in a royal theme to mark the occasion alongside serving a themed menu, which included Camilla’s King Prawn Curry, ‘The Prince’s Crust’ pie and a ‘trifle-inspired Bellini’.