On-Trade - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

The Ritz duo win Copa Jerez UK

Published: 29 September, 2026

Sommelier Léonard Lievin and chef Aaron Blais – both from The Ritz Restaurant – have been announced as the winners of the Copa Jerez UK 2026.

Scottish government backs VAT campaign

Published: 29 September, 2026

The Scottish government has announced its support for the #VATsTheProblem campaign, which aims to cut VAT on hospitality to 10%.

Welsh government announces 30% rates cut for hospitality

Published: 15 September, 2026

The Welsh government has announced a 30% rates cut for high-street businesses including pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, live music venues and licensed clubs in a move intended to “breathe new life into town centres”.

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.

Winner of 31 Days of German Wine announced

Published: 02 September, 2026

Bristol- and Plymouth-based Le Vignoble has come out on top of Wines of Germany's 31 Days of German Wine promotion, achieving the highest score out of all participating merchants and restaurants.

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.

On-trade: The non-somm approach

Published: 28 August, 2026

The days of the supercilious sommelier striking fear into trepidatious diners are thankfully behind us, but as the lines between casual and fine dining are becoming increasingly blurred, more and more restaurants with great wine lists are doing away with somms altogether.

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.

Pub-to-housing conversions to be restricted under new rules

Published: 17 August, 2026

Pubs at risk of closure for conversion to another use are set to receive protections under new planning regulations in England, which come into force today (Monday 17 August).

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.

Scotland’s largest multi-city whisky festival to return next week

Published: 10 August, 2026

Scotland’s largest whisky trail, Whisky Week, is set to return on 20 August, with more than 50 venues across Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh participating.

Quaglino’s set to return after Evolv redesign

Published: 07 August, 2026

Iconic St James’s venue Quaglino’s is set to reopen its doors on 7 October 2026 after a significant restoration by new owners The Evolv Collection.

New Georgian wine month initiative to launch this October

Published: 05 August, 2026

Wines of Georgia UK is launching a new Georgian Wine Month initiative, inviting wine shops, restaurants and bars to take part in a celebration of the ancient winemaking country.

Finalists announced for the BIH spotlight awards

Published: 03 August, 2026

The annual Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) Spotlight Awards – which recognise exceptional black and ethnic minority talent across the UK’s hospitality, food and drink sectors – has announced its finalists for this year.