With Christmas approaching many people will be celebrating with a few drinks to get in the seasonal spirit. However, many take it too far and in cities and towns across the country excessive drinking to collapse has become the normal way for the British to spend a night out. The South Coast is no exception and has seen a huge rise in alcohol-related offences in the last few years, so much so, that critics have drawn comparisons between Bournemouth and Faliriki, the Greek tourist resort that is plagued by British binge-drinkers.

This sad fact prompted a group of Bournemouth social entrepreneurs to offer an alternative to the town’s heavy drinking culture with their alcohol-free nightclub event, The Late Night Café.

Michael French, club chaplain for the not-for-profit collective, said: ‘‘We wanted to bring something positive and different to Bournemouth’s nightlife that did not revolve around alcohol.”

Michael explains the Late Night Café still offers the best bits about going out on the town, in particular music. “Upstairs we have a great atmosphere with a welcoming feel – there is a chill-out area with lighting and projections, where we serve superfood shakes, energy balls and raw chocolate. Downstairs we have had art installations, visuals, live hip-hop and some of the best DJs in Bournemouth playing some truly original and upfront music.”

Angus Miller is a nutritionist and member of the Late Night Café collective, he explains the ethos behind the food that they serve: “All our food and drinks are made from organic foods and superfoods such as spirulina, maca and purple corn which have exceptionally high levels of nutrients. The idea is to energize people to dance with something natural and wholesome in their system, rather than the man-made toxins found in alcohol.”

Michael continues: “We hope we are creating an attractive alternative to the drinking culture. A place where people can express themselves, eat, dance, socialise, and relax away from the hectic late night streets of the town. Then go home having had a brilliant night – without the hangover to look forward to!”

The Late Night Café celebrates with its Christmas Shindig on Saturday 10 December at Fusion Nightclub, 4-6 Old Christchurch Lane, Bournemouth. It runs from 10 until very late.