A number of pubs across the East Midlands are offering a free pint of crisps to punters who visit and have a non-alcoholic drink during Dry January.
Leicester firm Walkers’ have today launched their ‘Pack Our Pubs’ initiative, helping people stick to their new year goals with alcohol-free drinks and a range of snacks, while also supporting pubs pull in the punters, in what is typically their toughest month of the year.
Research shows that more than 400 pubs closed their doors for good in 2024 and while pubs struggle as a whole in January – 2025 is set to see our driest yet, with 15.5 million people set to take a 31-day break from booze.
Yet with more pubs than ever offering alcohol-free options, coupled with a free pint of Walkers Better For You crisps up for grabs, – including Walkers Baked, Walkers 45% Less Salt, Snack a Jacks, Popworks and Sunbites – there’s all the more reason to get out and support pubs this January.
The initiative is backed by one of the UK’s most famous former landlords, Danny Dyer, known worldwide for playing Mick Carter, landlord of the Queen Vic in Eastenders. Danny got behind the bar at The Chancellors – on aptly named Crisp Road in Hammersmith, London, to serve up ‘crisp’ pints.
More than 300 pubs around England, Scotland and Wales will give away a ‘free pint’ of 0.0% Walkers Baked, Walkers 45% Less Salt, Snack a Jacks, Popworks and Sunbites crisps away with a non-alcoholic drink order.
Former landlord of the Queen Vic, Danny Dyer, said: “The local boozer is important, helping keep the community together.
“For some pubs, January is a really tough time and could be the final straw. How sad would you be if your local had to close down? Fair play to those having a go at the Dry January challenge this year, it’s a great thing to do for your health – mind and body. But you can still get down the local with your mates for a free pint of Better For You snacks even if you’re off the booze.“
Cynthia Finke, Marketing Director at PepsiCo, who own Walkers, said, “The beauty of our Better For You range means that no one has to miss out on the things they enjoy in January – like snacks. It’s much easier to stick to your goals if you’re able to have fun at the same time. Being able to support the pub industry at the same time is a bonus to boot.”