With the weather taking a cooler turn and the days being shorter than ever, it’s no surprise that people are looking for new bars to grab a drink after work or on the weekend.

While you have your local watering holes for a quick glass of wine or a beer, sometimes you’re seeking out a trendier bar with more ambience. Perhaps you want to get dressed up – or maybe you’re just after a killer cocktail, but whatever the reason, the bartenders at the following places know how to make a mean drink.

Cosy cocktail spots in London

Ever After, Shoreditch

Find this East London gem in Hoxton Square – a small cocktail bar and kitchen serving up bespoke drinks and small plates to share.

Enjoy an espresso martini three ways – with vodka, bourbon or tequila (and all will have you questioning the original being so popular, trust me) – and snack on sharing dishes such as a melt-in-your-mouth ox cheeky, oyster mushroom and pepper skewer or courgette and feta-filled ravioli. Don’t miss the homemade chocolate mousse, that’s served to you in big dollops from a bowl.

everafterbar.com

Bow Bar, Paddington

Never has a hotel bar generated so much buzz as this one but the Hilton London Metropole’s Bow Bar is quite the spot to grab a drink.

Each cocktail has been carefully crafted by the creative mixologists behind the bar, to bring you the likes of the Charlie Chaplin (Beefeater 24 gin, homemade tamarind beer and freshly squeezed lime) and the Blinker, which will have even whiskey sceptics turn their heads.

londonmetpresents.com

Haugen, Stratford

I’d say nestled in Stratford but Haugen’s building is pretty impossible to miss as you walk yourself through and past the Westfield shopping centre. While the restaurant itself certainly has plenty to offer (cheese fondue, anyone?), the rooftop is wear things get really cute and cosy.

Nibble on bretzels (hot, buttered, soft versions of the traditional snack) and nocarella olives as you sip your Haugen Breeze or Sky High Spritz. Blankets are included.

haugen-restaurant.com

Shutters, Canary Wharf

We all need a local bar to head to for post-work drinks and if you work in the city and are looking for something that’s a little more spruced up, check out Shutters.

With an extensive wine list, boasting everything from Chablis to Whispering Angel, there’s also a decent set of cocktails to work your way through. The Mango No.5 and Secret Gin Garden are not to be missed, nor are the crab nachos – go get ’em.

shutterscanarywharf.com

Coupette, Bethnal Green

One of the world’s best bars (2019), Coupette in Bethnal Green is both authentic and completely unassuming. With its unpretentious nature having no effect on the quality of its cocktails, this bar is definitely worth a stop.

With each page of its menu focusing on a different cocktail chapter, the drinks range from ‘chocolate and red wine’ to ‘sour little sweetie’ – all fun, eclectic and unlike anything you’ve ever tasted before. Snacks are on hand too – as well as cheese and charcuterie plates, they’ve got confit duck leg, fried chicken and croque monsieur sandwiches.

coupette.co.uk

Doña, Stoke Newington

Enjoy magical Mezcal cocktails, all the way from Mexico, at this hidden gem in Stoke Newington. From the sharp and sassy Sabrina drink, with pink peppercorns and lime, to the fresh and fizzy Paloma – there’s a long list to work your way through at Doña.

And if you get hungry? Tigre Tacos is just upstairs, serving the best fish and vegetarian tacos and tostadas. Baja fish and grilled prawns have our vote…

bardonalondon.com

We all know the feeling – you’re super excited for your date but you have no idea where to go. You want the food and drink to be enjoyable, fairly priced and the restaurant to have the right kind of buzz to set everyone at ease and in the right, romantic mood.

Sure, not everyone enjoys eating on their dates but if you’re both fellow foodies, then I’ve listed a few restaurants I’ve visited recently that have inspired ‘date vibes’ in my brain. While I may have just been dining with friends or family, I’ve made mental notes to return on other occasions. It never hurts to have a few in the bank…

Best restaurants for Date Night in London

Pizzaro, Bermondsey

Pizarro Bermondsey is José Pizarro’s second London restaurant and can be found just next door to José’s original tapas bar. Serving up a number of small tapas style dishes, as well as larger plates, there’s good food, wine and atmosphere.

In addition to pan con tomate and the daily-changing croquetas, guests should make sure they order the cod in a traditional Catalan sauce with sautéed baby spinach and presa ibérica.

josepizarro.com

Christina’s, Shoreditch

Its cosy atmosphere emphasised by the mixture of sofas, cushions and seats at the bar, Christina’s offers delicious snacks and carefully curated cocktails for guests to enjoy.

The banana espresso martini is a must-order and both the wild apple spritz and fig leaf colada are the sweet treats you could be looking for. Nibble on cheese and charcuterie boards and the new freshly-baked open sandwiches as you enjoy your drinks.

sbe.com

Ziggy Green, Mayfair

It could just be me but being taken out for tacos could just be the most perfect dinner date there is. Pair them with a watermelon margarita that comes out of the fruit itself and you’ve got yourself a fun night ahead.

There’s popcorn prawns and jackfruit pibil nachos to start and then you can devour on the likes of lamb barbecoa, barbecue tofu and citrus pork tacos. There’s also corn ribs – whether you choose to eat them on your date or not.

daisygreenfood.com

Chotto Matte, Marylebone

Eclectic food, drinks and decor is what the Soho venue is known for and now Chotto Matte has opened up a second London location in Marylebone. The dark atmosphere and dim lights offer the perfect ambience for a romantic dinner.

What to order? Wagyu beef gyozas, king crab tacos, red prawn truffles and spicy tuna crispy rice bites are the perfect small plates to start off with – before moving onto sea bass ceviche and various sashimi cuts. The snow crab California and the Sato (sea bass and salmon tartare) rolls are great sharing options, too. While the miso marinated black cod never fails to impress the senses and the stomach, the slow cooked braised beef and crispy duck in honey orange ponzu are also crowd-pleasers.

chotto-matte.com

IT London

For those who enjoy the finer things in life, this Mayfair establishment, featuring a menu from two Michelin-starred chefs, could be the ultimate way of impressing a date.

It’s rare for me to hype up a classic margarita but the one at IT London is done very well, although those with a more adventurous sense of taste can opt for seared wagyu with teriyaki sauce, veal cutlet Milanese and Josper grilled scallops, too.

itrestaurants.com

Free-flowing booze alongside your food? Few people would complain. The concept of bottomless brunch is a popular one – and sometimes the venues offer endless breakfast or lunch dishes as well.

Whether you’re a Prosecco person or prefer Bloody Marys and Mimosas, brunch cocktails get everyone in the spirit of things and a lot of fun is to be had in the 90-minute (usually) period. Never has it been so socially acceptable to day drink – we have brunch to thank for that.

With more and more restaurants offering bottomless brunch menus, it can be overwhelming to find the right one – or one in the area of London you require. So we’ve tried and tested a variety so you can make the most informed decision possible.

Best bottomless brunches in London

Bunga Bunga

Often referred to as the home of bottomless brunch, this immersive dining experience provides dinner and a show.

With metre-long pizzas and Aperol Spritzes that keep on coming, if this doesn’t put a permanent smile on your face, the boylesque, circus and cabaret that comes as part of the weekly Buff Brunch most certainly will.

£52 pp; bungabunga.com

Swingers

Swingers’ crazy golf bottomless brunch is the latest boozy offering to hit London – featuring bottomless tequila cocktails, crazy golf and street food. Head to the West End location for its new ‘Sunday Set’ which includes 90 minutes of unlimited drinks, a reserved area, a round of crazy golf and epic street food – all for £49 per person.

Say goodbye to the standard eggs benedict and mimosas and feast upon some of London’s most fabulous street food: burgers from Patty&Bun, margaritas and more from Pizza Pilgrims, tacos not just for Tuesday from Breddos and sweet treats from Crosstown Doughnuts. Tequila cocktails will ensure all that good food will get washed down nicely, while the party is sure to get started with tunes from Swingers’ resident DJ. The only consequence? The struggle to work the next day.

£49 pp, swingers.club/uk

Oxbo at Hilton Bankside

This place might as well be offering bottomless food as well as guests are able to help themselves to the Chef’s Traders Table to start with, before choosing made-to-order eggs, an omelette, pancakes or waffles to enjoy while they wait for their mains.

If you’ve still got room, get ready to devour dishes such as lamb shoulder, hake fillets and spiced vegetable roulade (to share for the table) before heading back to the Traders Table to secure a plate loaded with desserts. Wash all four courses down with unlimited bubbles and then pass out.

£55 pp; oxbobankside.co.uk

Crazy Pizza

The ultimate indulgence, this Crazy Brunch is like no other. Perfect if you’re celebrating a special occasion, on a hen do – or simply want to splurge a little bit. One option is to enjoy bottomless prosecco and cocktails for £95 – or guests can upgrade to drinking Veuve Cliquot for an extra £25.

Start with a range of dishes including focaccia, mozzarella, fried squid and courgettes and some salads, before moving onto the main event: pizza. Choose from the iconic Tartufo (usually priced at £48 a la carte), margherita, spicy salami or three-cheese. Just save some space for dessert as tiramisù is on the menu.

From £95 pp; crazypizza.com

Hijingo

As if more adrenaline needed to be injected into a bottomless brunch, Hijingo is the multi-sensory bingo experience that combines live entertainment with bottomless bubbles and cocktails.

Enjoy two hours of bingo on steroids, while munching happily on a brunch main dish of your choice and bottomless Prosecco and beer. The short rib Benedict and Miso Salted Caramel Chicken & Waffles are both pretty special – though not as special as winning on of the three prizes up for grabs on the day.

£45 pp; hijingo.com

Apothecary

This Shoreditch Izakaya offers brunch for £35 – with the option to make things bottomless for an extra £25. With food and drink including a complimentary welcome drink and snack upon arrival, followed by a vast selection of seriously good sushi for the table, as well as pork belly skewers and hirata buns, Japanese fried chicken (karaage) and, I’m going to call it, the best miso glazed aubergine you’ll ever eat.

If you’re going for free-flowing booze, choose between bubbles or the restaurant’s signature cocktails: a Coffee Cobbler, the refreshingly moreish and deceptive Summer Cup (we’re excited to see winter’s alternative) and a twist on a Bloody Mary.

£60pp; apothecaryeast.co.uk

La Bodega Negra

Everyone’s favourite Mexican spot has launched a drag brunch, led by a bearded bombshell named Cazeleon – with tunes taken care of by in-hose DJ Reuben.

Choose from either classic, spicy or hibiscus margaritas, beer or prosecco and enjoy feasting on guacamole and tortilla chips, sea bass ceviche, a Mayan-style poke bowl (with chicken or avocado) and pork al pastor with pineapple pico de gallo. Taco time is sacred here and options include fish, chicken and mushroom.

From £65 pp, labodeganegra.com

Cabana

Bottomless brunch at Cabana involves two courses and a choice of bottomless prosecco, spritz cocktails or bloody marys.

Enjoy a selection of starters, including blistered padron peppers, corn ribs, guacamole and cinnamon sugar churros, brought to the table to share. For mains, there’s a choice of churros French toast, a breakfast burger, açai bowl, fried chicken and cornbread, avocado cornbread toast and breakfast tacos.

From £45 pp; cabana-brasil.com

West 4th

Okay, so fine, this one isn’t bottomless. But anywhere serving up steaming bowls of poutine deserved a mention. Don’t believe me? Go check West 4th out for yourself.

I’m personally not a pancakes or waffles kinda girl (particularly sweet) so I was frothing at the mouth reading the words ‘breakfast poutine’. Featuring a poached egg, those beautifully fried potatoes are topped with cheese curds, spinach, mushrooms and homemade brown butter (froth, froth) and hollandaise, with the option to add – breathe – maple bacon lardons.

There’s tons of other things on the menu to choose from and a decent cocktail list to work through, bottomless or not.

west4thlondon.co.uk

As energy prices continue to skyrocket, many of us are becoming more focused than ever before on reducing our energy usage as much as possible so that we can save some cash. There are countless suggestions for how you can save a bit of money on your energy bills, and generally, reducing the amount of energy you use tends to be the most optimal way to bring costs down. To help you figure out what you can do to cut your own energy bills down a bit, we’ve put together several tips that you can use today. Of course, these savings will vary from household to household, and there are no guarantees that you’ll save money, but many of these are worth trying.

Analyse Your Energy Usage

Your first step here is to figure out how much energy you use daily. Certain days are likely going to be more energy-intensive than others, for example, if you work from home on certain days or on the weekends when you stay at home. But you’ll generally see a pattern start to form when using a smart meter, and a device like this will also show you which devices and appliances you own use the most energy. More often than not, the highest energy consumer in a household is the fridge-freezer, as it’s constantly turned on. Next, you’ll have entertainment devices like gaming consoles, televisions, and high-power items like the kettle and coffee machine that heat water fast.

Identify Problem Areas

Once you’ve analysed your usage, it’s time to isolate those problem areas. You must remember that you cannot completely cut out your energy usage unless you decide to go and live off the grid. You’ll also find that there is a base standing charge by simply connecting to your electrical supply. You’ll notice this when you go on holiday and vigilantly turn every electrical device off in your house that you can. Certain problem areas will be quite noticeable, and once you’ve spotted them, it’s time to figure out some ways to bring those costs down as much as possible.

Change Appliances

This first suggestion holds a caveat: you shouldn’t be buying brand-new appliances purely to get an appliance with a better energy rating. While these more energy-efficient products will save you money in the long run and reduce your energy usage slightly, the amount of money you’d be spending on these new appliances will end up putting you out of pocket even with the money they’ll have to help you to save. New appliances should only be purchased when necessary, but once you do, strive to pick one with a great energy rating so that the device’s energy usage is much lower than the one you’re replacing.

Change Habits

Much of the energy usage in your home will come from bad habits that you may have developed over the years. Simple things like leaving the lights on all day when they’re not needed or filling the kettle to the max level for one cup of tea or coffee may not seem like a big issue, but when these things become a habit and happen every day, it definitely adds up. You could save a significant amount of money by trying to switch up these bad habits where possible. When boiling the kettle, for example, measure out the amount of water you need by filling your cup a little bit higher than usual to account for evaporation, and empty that into your kettle instead of filling the appliance directly from the tap.

Implement New Tech

There are some pieces of technology that you can use to help reduce your energy usage significantly, like the aforementioned smart meter. One piece of tech will actually help you to generate your own electricity, too. Having solar panels fitted to your property will help with freely powering your home, reducing your overall dependency on power from energy companies. In fact, if you generate enough power and end up with excess energy, as part of the UK government’s Smart Export Guarantee initiative, you can sell that excess energy to the grid. So not only would you be entirely removing your need for energy from energy companies, but you’d be turning a profit, too, essentially turning your home into a small power plant. Solar power is a great option for those that can afford the initial costs. It can be a very good investment, helping you to save money on your energy for as long as you live at the property, and it will also significantly boost the value of your property, too.

Use Smart Devices

Certain smart technologies can help you save a decent amount of money over time. A smart thermostat, for example, can be controlled remotely and will allow you to turn your heating off if you forget to do so when you leave, for example. You’ll also be able to set a proper schedule for your heating, which is much more cost-effective than leaving it on or having it on a basic timer system. Smart lights are another great option, too, as they naturally use less energy than normal light bulbs and also benefit from that same remote connectivity, allowing you to turn them on and off while away from home. You can also change the brightness of the bulbs, too, which naturally results in less energy usage due to the lower AC voltage.

Reduce Your Appliance Usage

Most of our large appliances are extremely handy and can improve the efficiency of our everyday life significantly. Sadly, many of them have a huge energy trade-off for this convenience, which means we have to choose between saving money and saving time. Take your tumble dryer, for example. This appliance uses a lot of energy to dry your clothes and bedding quickly, but there are other options. First, you could hang your washing outside on a washing line, allowing it to dry in the fresh air. You could also buy an electric airer, which will speed up the process of drying significantly more than a standard airer and will also use a lot less energy than an energy-hungry tumble dryer. Save your tumble dryer for when you really can’t wait for specific things to dry.

Reduce Dependence On Central Heating

Heating a home is one of the more expensive uses of energy, and reducing your reliance on your central heating will naturally result in much lower energy bills, especially during the colder winter months. There are a few steps you can take to do this. First of all, you have to identify any critical areas around your property which let heat out. One of the most common problems is heat escaping via gaps in windows and doors, and this can be remedied by repairing or replacing them. This can be costly, but it will significantly reduce the amount of money you have to spend on heating your home. Similarly, improving the insulation in other areas of your home, such as the attic and walls, will also reduce the amount of heat that escapes through surfaces. You should also consider using simpler heating methods such as electric blankets, which are much more energy efficient than leaving your heating on overnight.

Here at House of Coco we love a road trip and whilst we’ve clocked up some serious mileage in pretty much every car brand known to man, we have recently been exploring life in an electric vehicle. It’s fair to say it comes with it’s challenges but the pros far outweigh the cons.

So we were impressed to hear that, today, SIXT car rental has announced that Tesla cars are the latest to join their SIXT+ subscription fleet, adding to the wide selection of premium cars on offer. To mark the occasion, those subscribing to a Tesla for three months or more have the option to purchase a brand new ‘Tesla Tour’ package.

The limited-edition package includes three mystery journeys – one per month – taking the driver on a scenic tour to discover a surprise UK destination, filled with picturesque routes, adventurous activities and most importantly, electric charging points along the way.

The addition of electric vehicles comes on the back of the announcement of SIXT’s new sustainability programme to further accelerate CO2 reduction and demand for smart e-mobility. The electrification of the fleet forms just one component of the programme, which aims to inspire even more customers to experience sustainable mobility.

According to SIXT data across a range of their corporate companies, of those who are in the market to purchase a new car 40-50% will hire a rental car with the intention to test drive before buying. Meanwhile, one of the biggest barriers to buying an electric vehicle is whether they will last a long journey. Bringing the two together, SIXT has developed the ‘Tesla Tour’ package to allow customers to experience a Tesla without the commitment of buying, test the battery (safe in the knowledge they won’t be stranded) and have some fun along the way.

When purchasing the ‘Tesla Tour’ package, customers will start out by selecting the dates they would like to go on their adventures. Fast forward to the day of departure, customers will receive a packing checklist, including anything from goggles and a beach towel to hiking boots, as well as a list of postcodes to put into the car’s GPS. The postcodes will be made up of electric charging points, activities, and the final destination – a beautiful hotel for an overnight stay while their Tesla recharges.

From hikes in the Lake District to paddle boarding in Surrey, the activities will give drivers the chance to enjoy some of the country’s most stunning scenery and Instagram-worthy activities, all while their car battery is charging.

Tim Vetters, Managing Director of SIXT UK commented:

“Adding Tesla cars to our SIXT+ offering is a really exciting step, and we know our customers will think so too. But we love to go the extra mile and give our customers something to make the experience that much more special – and we think our Tesla Tour packages do just that. Subscribe to SIXT+ and choose a Tesla and get the chance to see the country and embark on adventures you may not have otherwise – what a brilliant way to make the most of your rental car!”

The Tesla fleet is available now for subscription via SIXT+. The SIXT+ subscription model allows for full flexibility, without long-term commitment or other contractual obligations. Customers pay a monthly fixed price and fuel costs without any additional charges, and can cancel at any time.

The ‘Tesla Tour’ package costs £800 and is available to customers subscribing to a Tesla for three or more months. The package includes three unique ‘Tesla Tours’ – each including one night hotel stay, route plan, and three activities along the way.

Top 10 activities for you to recharge.. while your car recharges:

1. Lake Windermere, Lake District National Park, Windermere, LA23 1LJ – The Lake District is known for having one of the best wild swimming spots in the country. Put your swimming skills to the test while your car charges nearby.
2. Mr Mulligans, Unit 5A The Brewery Quarter, Henrietta Street, Cheltenham, GL50 4FA – If you’re naturally competitive, Mr Mulligans in Cheltenham features a mini golf course, shuffleboard and electro darts all under one roof. Ready, set go!
3. Komedia, 22-23 Westgate Street, Bath, BA1 1EP – This live music and entertainment venue is just the place to waste away a few hours thanks to its packed schedule of performers while your car charges.
4. Folly Dolly Falls – A hike to this picturesque waterfall in Yorkshire is just the thing to make you forget the time. Conveniently park and charge at the nearby Huntsman Inn before setting off. Make sure you know where you’re going, the falls are a hidden gem.
5. Logiclock Escape Rooms, 6 Trinity Walk, Nottingham, NG1 2AN – There’s nothing like an escape room to get your blood pumping. With three different rooms to choose from, escape through your chosen adventure while your car charges a short distance away.
6. Black Mountain Adventure, Three Cocks, Brecon, LD3 0SD – With ‘adventure’ in its name, this activity centre is sure to deliver a thrilling few hours of fun, whether it’s kayaking, paddleboarding and white-water rafting.
7. Rainbow Rocket Climbing Centre, 49 Clifton Rd, Cambridge CB1 7ED – Looking to get in a workout? This rock-climbing centre in Cambridge will have you working up a sweat in no time.
8. Fistral Beach Surf School, Fistral, Newquay TR7 1HY – If you’ve always wanted to tick ‘learn to surf’ off your bucket list, now is the time. While your car is charging, you’ll be learning a new skill.
9. Sea Life Manchester, Trafford Palazzo, Trafford, Manchester, M17 8AS – Another one for the bucket list, depending on how brave you are! Kill some time and try the ‘Swim with Shark’s’ experience, something you’ll never forget.
10. Rage Room Glasgow, Hype Leisure, 72 Hydepark Street, Glasgow, G3 8BW – Smash it…literally at this Rage Room in Glasgow and return to your car feeling destressed and ready to take on your next adventure.

Please visit https://www.sixt.co.uk/plus/ for more information on SIXT’s subscription service.

A city like London is great for many reasons – not least because it offers a plethora of fantastic spots to dine out With so many top restaurants in the capital, one is never stuck for ideas of where to go out to eat.

However, there is most certainly such a thing as too much choice – even if you narrorw things down to your favourite cuisines, London boasts a variety of Japanese restaurants or good places to grab brunch on the weekend.

If you’re someone who is struggling to choose where they next grab a bite to eat, why not scroll through our carefully curated selection below, to help plan your next meal. Follow your stomach (and our words of wisdom), people…

Top restaurants to book in London

Papa L’s Kitchen, Piccadilly

Originally designed to be a pop-up, Papa L’s Kitchen is putting African cuisine on the map, with founder Lawrence Gomez boasting head chef of The Ivy Covent Garden and working at Sexy Fish as some of his accolades.

Launching a new winter menu for the season, it’s the best time to visit. A pioneer of modern African cuisine, signature dishes include spiced plantain and red mullet stew.

If you eat fish and you don’t order the grilled King tiger prawns, I have no words, nope, nothing sees me make sense of that choice, sorry. Papa’s lamb chobs, in a delightfully sweet and sticky barbecue sauce, are also a triumph.

papalskitchen.com

Hām, West Hampstead

It’s not too often that a British menu catches the eye but Hām offers it up with a modern twist.

Still keeping things simple, standout dishes include ricotta dumplings with cavolo nero and pecorino sardo, as well as the beetroot with goats curd. It’s also worth noting that the restaurant’s suppliers include Lake District Famers, for meat, and Henderson for seafood.

Designed to be a cosy neighbourhood go-to, the restaurant’s passion for good food and wine makes it sure to be a staple among the residents and visitors of West Hampstead.

hamwesthampstead.com

Obicà, multiple locations

Mozzarella fans, pay attention because this is the forté of this restaurant that first opened in Rome in 2004.

From a mozzarella tasting menu (featuring classic, smoked, ricotta and burrata) to dishes incorporating the blessed cheese, there’s plenty for guests to choose from as they dine at one of London’s three restaurants.

Our top picks would have to include the fried mozzarella bits (because who can say no to fried cheese?), as well as the squid ink pasta with prawns and the beef tagliata.

obica.com

JOAN, Shoreditch

This all-day modern Mediterranean restaurant is a great spot to enjoy a meal or drinks in East London.

Drawing inspiration from Niko Kontogiannatos’ (ex-head chef of Caravan Fitzrovia) native Greece, while putting an electric spin on the food, expect dishes such as braised octopus with skordalia in a chilli lime dressing and roasted aubergine with rose harissa and rocket.

For mains, indulge in the slow cooked lamb shank and creamy mash potato or opt for the sea bass with roasted courgette and pumpkin. Dessert can come in the form of the peanut butter and coconut mousse – or an espresso martini.

joanshoreditch.co.uk

Nine Lives, Bermondsey

Tacos are not just for Tuesday, and some of the best in the city can be found at Nine Lives bar.

The team at Tigre Tacos are working tirelessly in the truck to provide the likes of octopus tostadas and prawn tacos.The baja fish is very tasty and there are a selection of vegetarian options too – all with the same spicy kick.

Wash it all down with a spicy margarita or one of the other excellent cocktails made by the bartenders at Nine Lives.

ninelivesbar.com

It’s fair to say that the vast majority of parents will encounter a time when they catch their teenager doing something they shouldn’t. And, let’s face it, often that will be drinking alcohol.

While usually this is a one off or nothing too serious in reality, sometimes it can prove to be the slippery slope to addiction, which most certainly isn’t just a condition that lies exclusively with adults. Either way, though, something needs to be done about it.

Many parents will take the all guns blazing approach. But is that really the most effective way when it comes to catching your teenager drinking? Particularly if it is developing into an addiction…

Alcohol addiction amongst young people is growing at an alarming rate and you only have to look at the volume of people under the age of 21 entering alcohol addiction treatment clinics to see just how much of a problem it really is.

So, rather than a blazing row and severe discipline, it seems more like a reasoned and serious conversation is in order…

That means remaining calm

When it comes to that conversation, it’s incredibly important to remain calm. You will be angry, you will be upset and you will be disappointed, but it’s important to communicate that in a calm and collected manner, particularly if your teenager is drunk at that moment in time.

It will be worth allowing them to sleep it off and revisit the conversation when they can fully take it in, rather than while intoxicated.

Discover their drinking habits

When you sit them down, you need to uncover their drinking patterns and habits. Is this the first time, or is it actually becoming a problem. Again, honesty is required here so you need to ensure they feel supported enough to talk about it. If you don’t get an honest conversation out of them, then really it’s a worthless exercise.

At this point you can begin to establish the extent of the issue and whether help is needed. While it can feel harsh sending a child to rehab, if it is proving to be a serious issue, then that could well be the best course of action for them in order to live a healthy and happy life.

Share your own experiences

Don’t let the conversation be a one-way street. If they’re being honest with you, be honest with them. It could be that you have your own experiences with alcohol and that will enable you to see that you empathise and care about what they are going through.

Discuss how alcohol has affected you previously, or perhaps other family members and friends. By making the issue relatable, they may be more likely to understand and get the help they need.

Do punish them

While they may be suffering, they also need to know that it’s not ok and punishment could be the driving factor to either stopping drinking alcohol or getting the help they need. Discuss punishments with them and lay out a pathway in which they agree with.

Locking your child in their room for a week is just going to cause hostility. Again, it’s about that two way conversation that works for both of you, enabling them to understand that actions have consequences, but they are in control of those actions.