By Natacha Allen, Head of Commercial Events The Royal College of Physicians
The UK’s relationship with alcohol is shifting, with nearly half (48%) of drinkers planning to cut back or quit in 2025, according to Aviva. Younger generations are driving the trend, with 61% of 18 to 24-year-olds and 68% of 25 to 34-year-olds reducing their intake. Health is a major factor, as many prioritise fitness, mental wellbeing and weight management.
This movement away from alcohol aligns with broader wellness priorities and provides an opportunity for event organisers and venues alike to rethink traditional catering approaches. Alcohol-free beers and mocktails are no longer a niche offering; they are an essential part of inclusive, health-focused menus.
In response to this growing demand, RCP London Events has prioritised alcohol-free options in our event menus, offering alcohol-free wines, spirits, and mocktails as a standard option. We kicked off 2025 with a new, exciting partnership with REAL Drinks Co. to offer award-winning, British non-alcoholic wine alternatives that are 100% natural and vegan. These choices ensure all attendees feel included while promoting a healthier and more responsible approach to socialising. Research shows that wellbeing is a significant motivator for those who choose to give up or reduce alcohol, with 26% of individuals choosing not to drink stating they feel healthier, 24% reporting they feel happier, and 23% choosing to abstain from alcohol consumption to support long-term health goals (Aviva).
Food preferences at events
The same focus on wellness is evident in food preferences at events. We have witnessed more organisers and attendees embracing plant-based dishes, both for sustainability reasons and the benefits to physical and mental energy.
At RCP London Events, vegan and vegetarian dishes have been put first in all our catering brochures for over five years now, to encourage clients to make a more conscious and healthy choice for their events. Over the past two years, our clients increasingly chose plant-based menus as more delegates became conscious of their food choices, despite dietary preferences. This trend has led to the introduction of fully plant-based and NGC (non-gluten-containing) menus. Highlighting these dishes first not only encourages healthier choices but aligns with statistics from The Vegan Society showing that 49% of people are more likely to select plant-based options when presented as the default choice.
Energy and productivity
We have also seen energy-boosting menus gaining popularity, particularly at events where productivity is key. Options that prioritise fresh, plant-based ingredients such as chia seed bowls, vegetable wraps and nutrient-packed smoothies are becoming staples at conferences and meetings.
To complement this we have introduced our ‘Fuel not Feed’ menu, developed by our catering partner Company of Cooks, offering nutritious, energy-boosting options designed to sustain delegates throughout the day. These lighter, more nourishing meals help maintain focus and stamina, reflecting evidence linking plant-based diets to improved cognitive performance and reduced fatigue. With the launch of our spring/summer menus in April, two additional sustainability and wellbeing focused menus will also be launched: the Low ‘Gi’ (glycaemic index) menu and the Future 50 Salads range. The former includes dishes created with low GI ingredients, i.e. foods that are digested slowly and cause a gradual rise in blood sugar, beating the afternoon slump and keeping delegates energised throughout the day. The Future 50 Salads range was designed using the WWF and Knorr list of Future 50 Foods, a series of ingredients that have high nutritional value but low environmental impact.
As people continue to adopt more mindful lifestyles, the expectations placed on event catering are changing. Organisers are responding to a shift towards choices that reflect a desire for wellness, inclusivity, and sustainability. Alcohol-free bars and plant-based menus are no longer just “nice-to-haves”; they are essential for creating events that resonate with modern attendees.
As a venue it’s our responsibility to create a more inclusive and welcoming experience, ensuring that everyone, regardless of dietary preferences, allergies, cultural beliefs, or personal choices, can fully participate and connect through food and drink. Alcohol-free options cater to mindful drinkers and those who choose not to consume alcohol for health or religious reasons, while plant-based menus appeal to a wide range of guests seeking healthier or more sustainable choices. At RCP London Events we work together to foster inclusivity and conscious consumption, elevating the overall event experience for our guests.
