Richard Foster on why we should all work to save the great British pub

The inexorable decline of pubs throughout the UK is a much-covered story in both the trade press and in the wider media. But despite the efforts of the likes of CAMRA's Save Our Pubs campaign there seems to be very little that can be done to halt the erosion of an institution that is so admired elsewhere but generally neglected at home. And whilst 4,000 pubs will close this year, the number of new restaurants / gastropubs is still rising. Some would argue that this sharp dichotomy is a reflection of changing consumer habits, which to a certain extent it is, but there is a need to draw breath and consider the future of the pub before it becomes a quirky, old-fashioned rarity.

'Greatest wine list in London' for Bob Bob Ricard owner's new restaurant

Rolling update: On-trade reports strong Christmas

New premium Australian wine importer launches

New premium Australian wine importer launches

Champagne Taittinger appoints ex-Moet Hennessy executive to lead UK business

Upmarket Searcys parent firm sees profits grow

Beer lobby steps up campaign to see beer duty rates frozen in 2014 Budget

The UK pub and brewing sector has stepped up its efforts to see another freeze in beer duty rates in the 2014 Budget just days after the wine and spirits sector has called for the same treatment by the Chancellor.

D&D London to list Baron Phillipe de Rothschild wines in new partnership

Restaurant group, D&D London, is to list a number of wines from the Baron Phillippe de Rothschild stable as part of a new partnership with its UK distributor,  Waddesdon Wine.

Restaurant review:? Beard to Tail

The Beard to Tail in Shoreditch is a new favourite, as a lover of all things grilled and whisky.  The restaurant, which was opened in late 2012, boasts a great selection of grilled meats, including some of the best ribs around, and impressive list of rare whiskies and ryes.

Taylor's to release 50 year old Port

The Fladgate Partnership is set to release a collection of 50 year old single harvest Ports under the Taylor's brand

Taylors to release 50 year old Port

The Fladgate Partnership is set to release a collection of 50 year old single harvest Ports under the Taylor's brand.

Champagne Occasions: Engaging the consumers

The second Harpers Champagne Occasions roadshow asked how on-trade buyers and operators can engage consumers and trade them up by linking Champagne with food.

?Pre-payment bar app Bar Pass given upfront investment for 2014

Digital innovation company The Bakery, and multinational brewing company AB InBev, have teamed up with bar pre-payment start-up company Bar Pass, to help roll its app out across the UK in 2014.

Susanna Forbes enjoys Michelin star beer matching

"Starting with a stout is adventurous," said Andreas Fält, US craft beer ambassador, to the assembled throng, before adding: "Particularly with oak barrel influence. I'd have put it with a pudding, but..."

?Pride of London: Sipsmith has brought a unique bond to the modern spirits drinker

Before the arrival of artisan distillery Sipsmith in 2009, the last copper still to be licensed in the capital was in 1823, just under 200 years ago.

?Diageo fires bourbon Bulleit

Diageo has launched a stronger version of Bulleit Bourbon along with new product Bulleit Rye whiskey to the UK market.

UK on-trade: ?Italy, Spain and Chile surge ahead

Which wine countries are leading the way in the UK on-trade? This year sees a bit of a flight to value with Spain, Italy, and Chile being the biggest winners, according to the latest research from Wine Business Solutions as part of its UK On Premise report for 2013.

Northern Restaurant & Bar to expand by 20% in 2014

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Q&A with Yann Prigent, head sommelier, Sign of the Don

?Carol Emmas talks to Yann Prigent, head sommelier of the new operation from the Don and Bleeding Heart group, the Sign of the Don.