Glynn Purnell’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Purnell’s, has shut its doors after 17 years. The Birmingham-based restaurant served its final guests on 12 October, with Purnell citing economic challenges and pressures on the hospitality sector as key reasons for the closure.
Read more...
Ridgeview Wine Estate, a key player in English sparkling wine, has started its 2024 harvest. Despite challenging growing conditions in the UK and Europe, the estate is confident in the quality of its grapes, sourced from both its home estate and long-term partner vineyards across southern England.
Read more...
EWGA Wines, a Lancashire-based importer and wholesaler, has been awarded the ISO 14001 certification, marking its commitment to sustainability in the wine trade.
Read more...
Drinks United, the joint initiative by The Drinks Trust, WSTA and WSET, has named Laura Aiken as programme manager to steer its three-year strategy aimed at reshaping the UK drinks industry. Aiken brings experience in managing global culture change projects.
Read more...
A new study has shed light on how mandatory calorie labelling on alcoholic beverages might influence consumer attitudes and drinking habits in the UK. Conducted by researchers at University College London (UCL), the survey assessed the potential impact of introducing calorie information on alcohol packaging and its implications for low-risk and hazardous drinkers.
Read more...
The Catena Institute of Wine has officially joined the SWR Bottle Weight Accord, reaffirming its sustainability commitment as a founding member of the Sustainable Wine Roundtable (SWR). The institute’s efforts include light-weighting bottles and tackling the misconception that heavier bottles signify higher quality.
Read more...
Clos du Temple, three words that spell close to £200 for consumers of fine rosé wines. So, when the opportunity came to see behind the curtain (literally) of one of the world’s most expensive wines, during harvest, and to taste the latest vintage; I was tickled pink.
Read more...
UKHospitality has welcomed the government’s focus on employment flexibility in the Employment Rights Bill but cautioned that the proposed changes could lead to additional costs and require further consultation to avoid unintended consequences.
Read more...
Nearly 80 alcohol-free brands, suppliers and drinks experts have urged health minister Andrew Gwynne MP to take swift action on outdated alcohol-free drink descriptors.
Read more...
As the year’s final quarter unfolds, Liberty Wines remains committed to providing strong service and support across all departments, from sales to logistics. The company's recent Autumn/Winter tasting event highlighted the importance of offering a diverse range of high-quality wines to inspire consumer spending and maintain market leadership.
Read more...
Artisanal Bierzo wine producer Estevez Bodegas y Vinedos has joined premium wine specialist Bibendum’s portfolio.
Read more...
The Bank of England’s base rate, also referred to as the Bank Rate or simply the interest rate, is a key economic tool that affects the cost of borrowing and returns on savings in the UK. Set by the Bank of England, it helps control inflation and maintain economic stability.
Read more...
Alejandro López has been named as the new winemaker and technical manager of Bodegas Beronia, taking over from Matías Calleja, who held the position for 42 years.
Read more...
More than one in ten British pubs are at imminent risk of closure, with 11% of the UK’s pubs classed as technically insolvent and facing maximum credit risk, according to analysis by accountancy firm Price Bailey.
Read more...
Lea & Sandeman has expanded its 30-producer sparkling wine portfolio with the addition of Hampshire-based Black Chalk. The Test Valley winery becomes the independent wine merchant and wholesaler’s main on-trade partner for English wines.
Read more...
Nicola Jones will join Waitrose as its new wine trading manager on 13 October, bringing 13 years of experience from within the company.
Read more...
Wanderlust Wine has announced it will add Tuscan winery Castello di Ama to its portfolio, with the partnership starting on 1 October 2024.
Read more...
Virgin Wines has agreed a strategic partnership with Ocado.com, which will give the online-only supermarket’s customers access to an exclusive selection of 50 wines from Virgin’s portfolio.
Read more...
Jeroboams has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Harrow & Hope, a prominent English wine producer known for its award-winning sparkling wines. This partnership reflects the increasing popularity and reputation of English wine, as more domestic producers seek to align with established distributors to broaden their reach.
Read more...
Bodega Argento, one of Argentina’s leading wine producers, has entered a new distribution agreement with Freixenet Copestick in a bid to strengthen its presence in the UK market. The partnership, set to commence on 1 January 2025, will see Freixenet Copestick take on the distribution of Bodega Argento’s premium wine range across the UK.
Read more...
