Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Duncan Gammie, The Wee Vinoteca

Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Duncan Gammie, sommelier and founder of The Wee Vinoteca, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Vanessa Stoltz, Restaurant Pine

Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Vanessa Stoltz, head sommelier at Restaurant Pine, as she reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Elton Muco, 67 Pall Mall

Next up in our end of year trade talking heads is Elton Muco, deputy head sommelier at 67 Pall Mall, as he reflects on remaining competitive in a challenging environment.

Hospitality sector enjoys ‘first real-terms growth since June 2024’

Britain’s leading hospitality groups recorded year-on-year sales growth of 2.7% in November 2024, marking the first ‘real-terms growth’ since June this year.

The Mason’s Arms

The Mason’s Arms provides a warm, historic setting with a strong emphasis on traditional British pub drinks.

The bar, crafted from reclaimed church panels, offers a range of local ales and ciders, served through specially designed taps that reflect the pub’s heritage. Guests can enjoy outdoor drinks in the summer, with service provided through a garden hatch. The drinks menu includes tankards of Black Velvet served from a 1920s pewter oyster bar, sourced from an antiques market in the south of France.

Muse at RSA House

Muse, the new bar at RSA House, highlights British ingredients with creative cocktails focusing on wild, traceable botanicals.

Dynamic Vines

Dynamic Vines has opened its first wine shop and bar, offering an extensive selection of organic and biodynamic wines from small, sustainable European producers.

Focusing on independent winemakers who prioritise terroir, the bar removes corkage fees to make its wines accessible for in-house enjoyment. Fraher & Findlay’s natural-toned design enhances the laid-back tasting experience, with wines displayed horizontally to encourage customer engagement. An ever-evolving menu offers premium by-the-glass options and regular tastings introduce new producers. Membership perks include discounts and UK-wide delivery, making this a local haven for exploring seasonal, minimal-intervention wines.

UK pub culture in partial resurgence says new survey

Reports of the terminal decline of the quintessential British boozer have been greatly exaggerated, according to a new survey by SumUp.

Global on-trade ‘showing signs of revival’ says new report

Data released by the IWSR has revealed a year-on-year rise in “on-trade consumption incidences” in certain markets, gathering information from consumers in countries such as China, Germany, Italy, Mexico, the UK and the US.

Elevating baijiu with Melody Wong

Andrew Catchpole speaks to The Peninsula’s director of wine Melody Wong about her high-flying role and the mission to elevate baijiu in the UK.

New report forecasts 'modest growth' in UK restaurant sector

Research undertaken by Lumina Intelligence suggests that the UK restaurant market will grow by 1.3% in 2024, reaching a total value of £19.0 billion.

Hospitality industry witnesses significant growth in Gen Z business directors

New data released by Companies House has revealed that the hospitality sector has the third-largest proportion of Gen Z business directors, with 1,630 registered entities now steered by the under 30 cohort.

Bodega Argento unveils new partnership with Fulham FC

Bodega Argento has become an Official Argentinian Wine Partner of the Premier League football club, in addition to supplying the new Fulham Pier venue.

Scottish businesses to pay 'up to 70% more in rates' versus across the border

New analysis released by UKHospitality Scotland has revealed that hospitality businesses will be significantly worse off than their English counterparts, unless the Scottish government takes decisive action to introduce business rates relief in its forthcoming Budget.

Harpers 30 Under 30 finalist invests in bricks and mortar

Entrepreneur, cheese enthusiast and media personality Jessica Summer has opened her first shop and bar in the London Borough of Harrow.

Post-Budget fallout looms over UK insolvency reprieve

Hospitality endures sluggish October growth despite licensed premises rise

The UK’s leading hospitality groups achieved overall year-on-year sales growth of just 0.6% in October 2024, despite an increase in new openings recorded last month.

Hospitality in resurgence after 'easing financial pressure' buoys consumer confidence

A new survey by Lumina Intelligence has revealed promising signs of a modest recovery in the UK on-trade, with both consumer spend and frequency of visits rising in October 2024.

UK government increases number of alcohol licenses despite post-budget concerns

The UK’s ailing hospitality sector is showing modest signs of recovery, with the number of licensed premises increasing for a second successive quarter and 661 net new openings in the third quarter of 2024.

Zum Barbarossa

Launching this month, Zum Barbarossa is Soho’s newest speakeasy, offering an intimate underground cocktail experience. The drinks menu is the centrepiece, with expertly crafted cocktails such as the Spicy Rose Paloma, Hot Honey Highball and Tommy’s Spicy Mezcalita. Other highlights include the Banana & Pineapple Daiquiri and the rich Zespresso Martini. Each drink has been designed by top mixologists to provide bold and exciting flavours, while the refined small plates, including caviar and dressed oysters, complement the drinks offering. In this atmospheric basement venue, the focus is squarely on delivering an exceptional cocktail experience.