Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Savoy to launch new wine bar

Published: 07 September, 2026

London’s grande dame hotel The Savoy is set to open Beaufort Wine Bar this October as the historic hotel’s “dedicated wine discovery destination”.

Pinnacle Guide: Seven bars from Birmingham to Belfast gain two Pins

Published: 07 September, 2026

The Pinnacle Guide – the recognition system that awards the globe’s top cocktail bars – has unveiled that seven venues have moved up from one Pin to two Pins as part of the guide’s first ever renewal process.

Tom Fahey: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 02 September, 2026

Another on-trade innovator features in our annual summer Q&A series. Tom Fahey, sommelier and chef patron at The Terrace Rooms & Wine, details the success of his new wholesale arm, the challenges of negotiating the Isle of Wight’s quiet off-season and why he is listing dark rosés as chilled reds.

Bethany Pogson: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 28 August, 2026

Top somm at Cambridge’s Michelin-starred Restaurant Twenty-Two Bethany Pogson provides her perspective for our ongoing summer Q&A. Here she reflects on negotating the impact of the cost-of-living, the success of the venue's in-house wine club and the appeal of Niagaran ice wine.

Research finds both moderation and binge drinking on the rise

Published: 26 August, 2026

New findings from the 2026 Drinkaware Monitor suggests that at the same time as UK drinkers are moderating their alcohol consumption, weekly binge drinking is increasing.

Emma Denney: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 24 August, 2026

Claridge’s director of wine Emma Denney adds her perspective to our ongoing summer Q&A series. The top somm reflects here on shifting consumption habits; the steadfast popularity of classic wine regions; and anticipates a busy festive trading for the grand dame hotel.

Luke Harbor: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 21 August, 2026

As we press ahead with our summer Q&As, next up is leading sommelier Luke Harbor, group beverage director at The Pig Hotels, who reflects here upon on-trade trends; the exciting prospects for English wine; and why more young people should take a chance at a career in hospitality.

Scots engaging with hospitality less as dining patterns shift

Published: 18 August, 2026

Over half of Scottish people (58%) are cutting back on both drinks and meals at hospitality venues, according to a new survey from The Knowledge Bank, the insight hub from trade body Scotland Food & Drink.

Vagabond’s new Brighton site will be second beyond London

Published: 11 August, 2026

This autumn, Vagabond Wines is set to open a new location in Brighton’s Duke Street, its second bar outside London.

Paul Morgan: ‘Looking Back, Forging Ahead’

Published: 07 August, 2026

Next up in our annual summer Q&A is Paul Morgan, owner of dynamic Brighton wine hub Fourth and Church. Here he reflects on the year to date for his restaurant-cum-bar-cum-wine shop; his hopes for the future; the challenges of operating an indie business; and what the decision makers in Whitehall could do to ease the burden.

The Vine House

Published: 07 August, 2026

Brighton’s vinous credentials are strong and getting stronger with the opening of The Vine House in Kemptown. The new restaurant-wine bar also represents a collaboration between some of the beachfront city’s top hospitality aficionados. Founded by Marc Wise and Tim Hall, formerly directors of the city’s 9 Vines wine shop and bar, the gastronomic offer is overseen by the team from Brighton neighbourhood restaurant Wild Flor, James Thomson and head chef George Upshall. Seafood delights including crab and samphire linguine entice, with Jersey rock oysters an exciting aperitif. It would be remiss not to mention the 120-cover venue’s wine wonders. This is a smart hybrid venue, with an enticing wall of wine available for take-out purchases, and a list that stands as a quality oasis in Kemptown.

Rosina

Published: 05 August, 2026

Chef-restaurateur Adam Byatt is bringing another culinary destination to south west London. Much like his Michelin-starred Trinity, the restaurant sits astride one of the area’s commons, Wandsworth rather than Clapham for this venture. Rosina represents Byatt’s first exploration of Italian dining. Will Bee fronts the kitchen operation as head chef; his dishes will chart the best of the Boot’s culinary landscape. Enticing snacks such as gnocco fritto with mortadella bologna will commence diners’ evenings, followed by signature dishes such as risotto bianco and cacio e pepe. Byatt’s creative journey to launch the restaurant was charted in his Youtube series Road to Rosina, the chef being one of the savviest social media operators in hospitality. Evenings will be topped off by selections from the roaming dessert trolly – tiramisu, anyone?

Is Burnham on side for hospitality?

Published: 04 August, 2026

Andy Burnham has been deliberately difficult to pin down in recent weeks. Since Keir Starmer resigned a little over a month ago (22 June), Burnham has managed to minimise media scrutiny – appearing in precious few interviews and refusing to answer questions after public appearances.

The Charleston

Published: 03 August, 2026

Nestled in the Derbyshire Dales, Bakewell has gained a new restaurant-cum-cocktail bar, The Charleston. It’s the newest hospo venture from Peak District group Longbow Venues. Drawing inspiration from 1920s glitz, Longbow has brought the previously long-vacant Grade-II listed bank building back to life. The upstairs restaurant overlooks the historic market town, where diners are encouraged to sample the best of domestic produce. Wine is sourced by a Harpers 50 Best Indies 2026 merchant – Bakewell’s own Hattersley Wines. In the main restaurant bespoke artwork, elegant drapery and funky furniture provide a dose of escapism for patrons. The building’s original bank vault hosts private dining room The Speakeasy while pre and post-prandial creations can be enjoyed at The Charleston’s cocktail bar.

Nick Gillett: Aperitivo – The best thing we’ve borrowed from Europe

Published: 27 July, 2026

There's a shade of orange that has colonised the British summer, and I bet you know the one. It's a spritz enjoyed on every terrace, every canalside table, every Instagram grid.

Court of Master Sommeliers welcomes six new members

Published: 22 July, 2026

The Court of Master Sommeliers (CMS) has announced six new Master Sommeliers (MS) following the latest round of final examinations, held at Vienna's Grand Hotel in June.

Take part: Harpers Drinks Trade Innovation Survey

Published: 15 July, 2026

Harpers readers are invited to take part in our Drinks Trade Innovation Survey, the results of which are to be published in our August issue.

Making the break: How to best grow sake category

Published: 15 July, 2026

Sake has spent the past decade or so winning over sommeliers, Michelin-starred kitchens and a devoted niche of Western drinkers. What it has not yet done is become an everyday choice in the wider restaurant trade: the sort of drink ordered in a wine bar or paired with a tasting menu as naturally as a Chablis or a Barbera.

On-trade cost-saving: Efficiency without the compromise

Published: 14 July, 2026

Times are tough for the UK hospitality industry at the moment, with operators facing considerable challenges from what seems like every quarter. Yet there are operators who are, in spite of everything, making it work. Among these is Adam Handling MBE, chef and owner of the eponymous Adam Handling Collection. “Hospitality has never been an easy industry, but margins are now so tight that even well-run businesses are having to work harder than ever just to stay afloat,” he says.

Brasserie Olivia

Published: 10 July, 2026

New French dining delights are coming to London’s Sloane Square this month. The first international foray from France-based restaurant group La Nouvelle Garde, Brasserie Olivia will honour the French brasserie tradition and ‘art de vivre’. With venues in all four corners of France – From Paris to Marseille by way of Bordeaux and Lyon – La Nouvelle Garde will hope it can achieve similar popularity across La Manche. The swish interiors include an open kitchen facing the diners. Patrons can also wend their way down the stairs for a post-prandial drink (Pernod Absinthe among the options) at the restaurant’s speakeasy – Venus Bar. An all-French wine list spans an array of appellations, and a spritz-led cocktail menu will allow customers to cool off during the capital’s long, hot summer. Early risers can enjoy a breakfast service too.