Gin in the pink

The popularity of pink gin is driving total on-trade gin sales, according to new CGA research.

Zero growth for pubs and restaurants in May

UK pubs and restaurants saw trading fall flat in May, according to the latest Coffer Peach Business Tracker. Collective like-for-like sales growth across the market was zero compared to last year.

On-trade is moving with the times, say suppliers, as Jamie’s and other well-known faces disappear from the high street

The tired, middle of the road, mid-market section of the on-trade is falling away to make way for new, more innovative concepts, suppliers have told Harpers.

Boutinot reveals rise in sales and profits

Boutinot has reported turnover increased to £139.6 million for the year ending 31 August 2018, up 4.5% on the previous year.

Vagabond sets down sixth site in Paddington

Vagabond is gearing up for its latest launch, which will this time see its wine-focused proposition expand to include a breakfast menu.

Jamie’s Italian calls in administrators

Jamie Oliver’s restaurant empire is at the brink of collapse, with the group having called in the administrators putting up to 1,300 jobs at risk.

LWF: Consumers value experiences over value for money, says CGA

There has been a major shift in the way consumers decide which venues to visit, with the promise of entertainment and engagement now taking precedent over value for money.

Restaurant closures rise as high street pressures hit hard

The number of restaurants in Britain dropped by 2.8% in the year to March 2019, according to the latest Market Growth Monitor from CGA and AlixPartners.

Q&A: Robert Maynard and James Thomson, Wild Flor

New Hove eatery Wild Flor combines quality comfort dining with a distinct wine focus. Andrew Catchpole reports

CIVB brings pop-up bar to Bristol

The Conseil Interprofessionnel Du Vin De Bordeaux (CIVB) is to open its pop-up Bar Bordeaux in Bristol at the end of May – the first to be held outside London.

Consumers shun restaurants at Easter, figures show

Restaurant groups saw sales plummet by nearly 20% this Easter, according to figures from the Coffer Peach Business Tracker.

Duppy Share launches cocktails on tap

The Duppy Share has launched a new range of cocktails on tap into the on-trade in a move it says will make “high quality cocktails more approachable, quicker, and more consistent in fast-paced venues”.

All Bar One introduces sustainable rosé range

All Bar One will launch a new sustainable rosé wine collection on 4 June 2019. It will include Mirabeau Prêt-à-Porter wine in a 250ml can from Provence, which it said is more environmentally friendly than bottled wine as it is lighter to transport.

Stuffed on staff?

Brexit is boosting British job uptake in hospitality, but a severe worker shortage continues to undermine the trade, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Q&A: Sara Rossi, head sommelier, Trinity

Sara Rossi’s career so far spans Fera at Claridges, Gordon Ramsay’s Royal Hospital Road and the Dorchester Collection, where she was mentored by Vanessa Cinti. She talks Andrew Catchpole through her vision at a Clapham neighbourhood favourite

Laine Pub Company snaps up Urban Art Bar

Laine Pub Company snaps up Urban Art Bar

Joe Fattorini: The pratfall effect

Head of London sales at Fields, Morris & Verdin

Crown Cellars adds 20 new wines to portfolio including exclusive quintet

Crown Cellars, the specialist on-trade wine division of Carlsberg UK, has added 20 new wines to its 2019/20 portfolio, including five exclusive to the business.

Guy Woodward: I'm not trying to do sommeliers out of a job, but...

Sunshine gives pubs and restaurant a lift

Pub and restaurants grew like-for-like sales by 3.8% last month compared to March 2018 when trade was hit by the ‘Beast from the East’, according to the Coffer Peach Business Tracker.