I've had a similar experience where I'd be craving a beer, but not really craving alcohol since wine or spirits didn't sound appealing at all. I think it might actually be the hops and not the alcohol.

I don't know if it's common in the UK, but in the US, a lot of breweries have started making hop water. I've found that it can really scratch that itch. Even just a hop tea might work if you can't find pre-made hop water.

It sounds weird, but it's actually delicious with nice floral and citrus notes and just enough bitterness that you don't drink it too quickly.