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.

Dramatic wage inflation heightens post-Budget blues

New data published by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that average weekly earnings in the food and accommodation sector continue to spiral, exacerbating the financial woes of hospitality businesses nationwide.

Cahoots Postal Office

Opened in October, Cahoots Postal Office in Borough Yards takes visitors on a 1940s-themed cocktail journey in an old-fashioned post office setting. Signature drinks – such as Par Avion featuring Grey Goose vodka, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered made with Bombay Sapphire gin – are served through a unique pneumatic tube system that delivers cocktails directly to tables. The playful, interactive experience is aimed at cocktail enthusiasts seeking an immersive and theatrical venue in one of London’s historic locations.

Vagabond Wines appoints new MD

Vagabond Wines has appointed Christobell Giles as its new MD, signalling a new era for the wine bar business after it was rescued by Majestic out of administration earlier this year.

Hospitality ramps up range rationalisation in response to growing costs

Nearly a quarter of hospitality operators have changed the routes-to-market of their drinks ranges and more business are seeking to reduce their delivery partners than increase them, leaving drinks brands at risk of being de-listed, new research has revealed.

The Coal Shed

Now open in its new home on North Street, The Coal Shed Brighton continues to bring London-level gastronomy to its Sussex counterpart as part of a much-needed revamp of the city’s downtown shopping district. Considerable work has gone into relocating and upscaling the Brighton restaurant, which is part of the same group behind The Salt Room and Burnt Orange. In its newest guise, the restaurant boasts an expansion to The Coal Shed’s signature over-fire beef cooking offer, while guests are greeted at the door with a dedicated cocktail bar. For the first time, the bar will be open seven days a week from noon till late.