On-Trade - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Vinoteca’s future hangs in balance

Published: 17 August, 2023

Vinoteca has filed for protection from its creditors, leaving a big question mark over the future for the business.

Vacancies fall while prices rise for hospitality

Published: 16 August, 2023

The rate of overall UK inflation experienced a sharp fall to 6.8% in July – the same month which marked the fourth consecutive reduction in vacancies for hospitality. However, the sector is still facing numerous challenges.

Gosset Matchmakers 2023 finalists announced

Published: 15 August, 2023

The Champagne Gosset Matchmakers competition has revealed the top sommelier/chef teams who have made it to the final stages for 2023, where they will be battling out to be crowned top of the class.

Takeaway sales for pubs and bars extended

Published: 14 August, 2023

Pubs and bars in England and Wales will be able to continue selling takeaway drinks beyond the September deadline, meaning the on-trade will be able to continue to benefit from ‘hatch sales’ without having to apply for council permission.

Stamp scheme generates £32k for Cardiff indies

Published: 09 August, 2023

Since its launch just over a year ago, the Cardiff Wine Passport has generated more than £32,000 in revenue for independent restaurants and bars in Cardiff.

Pub closures surge again in Q2 breaking Q1 record

Published: 07 August, 2023

Pub closures reached back-to-back quarterly records in Q2 2023, smashing the previous unwanted benchmark set in Q1.

UK chains enjoy profit increase

Published: 07 August, 2023

According to research from UHY Hacker Young, the UK’s Top 100 restaurant groups have recorded a twelvefold increase in their profits in the last six months, rising from £19.9m in September 2022 to £241.8m in March 2023.

Oxford Wine Group announces new bar opening

Published: 31 July, 2023

Having celebrated its crowning as the number one merchant in Harpers' 50 Best Indies list 2023, The Oxford Wine Group has announced it will open a brand-new city centre venue later this year.

Professional development and well-being number one priorities for drinks industry

Published: 28 July, 2023

Results from the annual survey conducted by The Drinks Trust revealed that almost all (96%) of the drinks industry want to undertake professional development initiatives to help them in their career in the next 12 months.

On-trade overlooked by government says 62% of hospitality businesses

Published: 27 July, 2023

62% of hospitality businesses believe the sector receives less support and attention than other industries, new research from Peckwater Brands (PWB) has found.

Flaming June offers some respite for hospitality

Published: 26 July, 2023

A scorching June helped Britain's managed restaurant, pub and bar groups achieve a ninth successive month of year-on-year sales growth, according to the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Richard Bigg, Camino and Bar Rioja

Published: 24 July, 2023

Mid way through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Richard Bigg, founder of Camino and Bar Rioja (pictured with wife Inma), to find out how the year as gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.

On-trade: To somm or not to somm?

Published: 24 July, 2023

Weighing up the worth of a good sommelier, Chris Losh explores the benefits they can deliver.

New pub finder app launches in London

Published: 20 July, 2023

A new free pub finder app “Pub Club” has launched this week to help Londoners seek out the best pub experiences in the capital.

Soaring costs in wine, staff and energy threatens hospitality

Published: 19 July, 2023

Red wine is one of several key commodities threatening the hospitality sector’s post-Covid-19 recovery due to rising prices.

Large operator profit doubles, though challenges remain

Published: 17 July, 2023

The percentage of the UK’s largest restaurant companies turning a profit has doubled in the last year, according to new figures. However, further interest rate rises now hover over the horizon. As a result, hospitality’s biggest operators could be facing new challenges on their return journey to profitability.

Live sport essential for UK pub and bars

Published: 13 July, 2023

With a summer of sport in full swing and the women's World Cup just around the corner, new research by CGA has revealed the increased spend and dwell times pubs can enjoy when screening live sports.