New drink spiking measures introduced by government

Drink spiking is set to be targeted by police and door staff in a raft of new measures unveiled by the home secretary James Cleverly as the festive party-going season gets into full swing.

Survey reveals 44% of Brits choosing not to dine out this festive season

A new study from Forbes Advisor, the price comparison and financial guidance platform, has found that two in five Brits (44%) are choosing not to dine out this festive period (1 December - 2 January), the same figure it was 12 months ago when the survey was last conducted.

Scottish hospitality businesses ‘hang in the balance’ without government support

New analysis has revealed that thousands of Scottish hospitality businesses will be left unsupported if a rates relief isn’t included in the Scottish Budget tomorrow (19 December).

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Graham Hall, Drake & Morgan

Following another eventful year for the drinks trade, Graham Hall, director at Drake & Morgan reflects on the highs and lows of 2023, plus the hopes and plans for the business in the year ahead.

UK bars roll out drink spiking test kits

With the festive season in full swing, police and businesses have joined forces to crack down on drink spiking across the UK.

Welsh hospitality calls for business rates relief

UKHospitality Wales has called on the Welsh government to boost beleaguered pubs, hotels and restaurants in Wales and provide vital business rates relief in next week’s Budget.

Hospitality sales up 4% YOY in November

Britain’s leading hospitality groups achieved year-on-year (YOY) sales growth of 4% in November, the new CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker has revealed.

On-trade: All I want for Christmas…

With the festive period upon us, Chris Losh asks how restaurants might fashion a silk purse out of a pig of a trading climate.

Survey estimates £7.4bn will be spent on Christmas partying

A survey of 2,000 UK adults by tonics and mixer brand, Double Dutch, has estimated £7.4bn will be spent in UK hospitality during the festive period – a significant threefold increase compared to the previous year.

Record Christmas bookings for Drake & Morgan

Drake & Morgan, the London-based bar and restaurant group backed by Bowmark Capital has announced record bookings for Christmas 2023, sounding a note of optimism in an otherwise challenging environment.

Hospitality visas ineligibility skyrockets under new immigration laws

The UK government has announced it will increase the earning threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50%, from £26,200 to £38,700, in a move that could 'further shrink' the talent pool for UK hospitality.

Scotland calls out government for pubs closing at twice the rate of England

The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) and the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA) have issued a joint appeal to support their sector after it emerged that English businesses will receive a 75% reduction in rates bills for the financial year 2024-25.

Bibendum predicts the top wine trends for 2024

Bibendum has revealed its top wine trends for 2024 based on analysis from PROOF Insight, the drinks insights agency.

Live gigging could unlock £2.4bn boost for UK pubs and bars

A new CGA report published today (29 November) has revealed that gigging in the hospitality sector could be the catalyst for a multi-billion pound boost to venues. 

Deliveries worth 15p per pound of restaurant spend

Delivery and takeaway sales at Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups rose 5% year-on-year in October 2023, according to CGA by NIQ’s Hospitality at Home Tracker.

Amandla celebrates Matthew Clark partnership

Progressive new South African wine brand Amandla is launching in the UK on-trade market this month via a new partnership with leading drinks distributor Matthew Clark.

Government is failing hospitality businesses, public warns

The UK Spirits Alliance (UKSA), representing hundreds of small businesses across the UK, has called on the government to back hospitality and distilleries by freezing duty on spirits at the Autumn Statement.  

Nick Gillett: Competitive socialising – novelty or here to stay?

Christmas strikes to cost hospitality £800m

ASLEF, the UK’s train drivers’ union, has announced a ‘rolling programme’ of strikes during the festive month.

Zonin1821 partners with the UK Sommelier Association

Zonin1821, one of Italy’s most important wineries, has partnered with the UK Sommelier Association (UKSA), to attract a greater number of young people to the profession.