Customers served shot of olive oil to drink at Bristol restaurant as ‘Dry January’ alternative

Diners will also get a discount on their next meal

Chef Vaios of The Real Greek holding a shot of ‘Liquid Gold'(Image: )

A Bristol restaurant is serving diners a shot of olive oil before they tuck into their food as part of an alternative to ‘Dry January’. The Real Greek, which is located in Cabot Circus, is giving guests the chance to start their 2026 wellness goals the Mediterranean way – with a ceremonial shot of Greek extra virgin olive oil on arrival.

Dubbed ‘Liquid Gold’, the ritual is said to draw on centuries of Greek tradition, celebrating olive oil as a symbol of vitality, health and heritage. Guests dining between January 12 to 31 will be eligible for the shot, and will also receive a small card which explains: “You’ve just taken Liquid Gold – a 3,000-year-old wellness ritual powered by good fats”. They’ll also receive 20 per cent off their next visit.

Olive oil has long been the foundation of the Mediterranean diet, known for its health benefits, including supporting gut health, cardiovascular function, and overall wellbeing. The ritual taps into the growing trend of “shot culture” and social wellness moments, offering diners a ‘fun, shareable experience while reinforcing the benefits of good fats’.

The team at The Real Greek says that consuming extra virgin olive oil, especially as part of a Mediterranean-style diet, has been linked to a range of health benefits. It is rich in monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation, potentially lowering blood pressure.

Olive oil shots will be handed out to diners before they tuck into their meals as an alternative to Dry January(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)

Regular intake has also been proven to promote improved gut microbiota and overall longevity. These benefits are supported by numerous studies that highlight olive oil’s role in disease prevention and healthy living.

Jordan Haworth, gastrointestinal physiologist and TikTok star, says: “Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats and polyphenols that support a healthy gut microbiome. Combined with the Mediterranean diet – packed with vegetables, legumes, meat, and fish – it’s one of the best ways to nourish your body and promote long-term wellbeing.

“Taking a ceremonial shot like this is not only rooted in ancient Greek tradition, it’s also one of the biggest wellness trends we expect to see in 2026. The Real Greek’s menu shows how delicious, everyday eating can align with science-backed health benefits.”

The Real Greek at Cabot Circus(Image: Paul Gillis/Reach Plc)

The Real Greek’s menu is described as championing the Med lifestyle in every dish, featuring fresh, wholesome ingredients including olives, tzatziki, hummus, prawn souvlaki, chicken, octopus, aubergine, Greek salad and flatbread. Paired with the Liquid Gold ritual, diners can enjoy what’s being dubbed as “a full culinary journey rooted in the flavours and health benefits of the Mediterranean diet”.

Its website states: “We say no Greek food is actually Greek if made with lesser quality oil than Greek olive oil. That’s why we cook and serve our food with the best Greek olive oil from Crete. You can definitely taste it in our food and you will find a bottle of it on each and every one of our tables.”