Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

First quarter restaurant sales flat for Beefeater owner Whitbread

Published: 16 June, 2015

Restaurant sales are taking a smaller share of the product mix of Whitbread, the owner of Costa and Premier Inn.

Percival Val Brown talks about his 65 years in the drinks business

Published: 10 June, 2015

Percival Brown tells Douglas Blyde about his six decades in the business, from the cellars beneath Speakers' Corner to selecting the wines for Concorde.

Hospitality sector visitors up 16% at London Wine Fair

Published: 10 June, 2015

London Wine Fair organiser Brintex has reported a 16% increase in visitors from the hospitality sector to this year's exhibition.

The modern wine list is not 'dead', just evolving

Published: 09 June, 2015

Despite going through a significant evolution over the past 20-something years, the modern-day wine list is not 'dead' as some say, simply different.

Field Morris & Verdin launch new Italian fine wine division, headed by former Berry Bros buyer

Published: 05 June, 2015

Field Morris & Verdin, the agency and wholesale division of Berry Bros. & Rudd Ltd, is launching a new Italian fine wine division, DBGitalia.

Analysis: Do you remember your wine epiphany?

Published: 05 June, 2015

Trade personalities tell Rosie Davenport and Nigel Huddleston about the life-changing moment when they realised a career in wine was their destiny

Welsh tapas bar launches own label Spanish-style beer as it opens third restaurant

Published: 04 June, 2015

Welsh-based tapas restaurant and sherry bar, Bar 44 is launching an own label Spanish-style pale ale, as it opens it third restaurant in Cardiff.

Pernod Ricard to trial computerised cocktail bars in 500 homes in London and Paris

Published: 03 June, 2015

Pernod Ricard plans to trial its computerised "bar at home" project in 250 homes in London and 250 in Paris as it bids to revolutionise the way spirits are bought.

London bar chain Dirty Martini to open seventh site

Published: 28 May, 2015

London on-trade operator CG Restaurants and Bars is set to open a new site for its Dirty Martini bar chain in Islington next month.

Greene King set to dispose of 16 pubs to push through acquisition of rival

Published: 27 May, 2015

Greene King is set to dispose of 16 pubs in order to push through its purchase of the Spirit Pub Company.

On-trade sales return to growth for April according to Coffer Peach Tracker

Published: 14 May, 2015

The pub and restaurant sector saw a return to growth during April, with like-for-like sales up 1.2% compared to last year, according to CGA Peach Business Tracker.

WSTA members angered by lack of support and other "freeloading" businesses in the trade

Published: 13 May, 2015

The WSTA has called for more drinks businesses to take up membership and support the trade organisation as some members that have been contributing to the body feel that other business in the trade are "freeloading."

Cava needs to better communicate quality, trade body claims

Published: 12 May, 2015

Cava needs to better communicate its quality credentials, the head of the Cava trade body has claimed.

Greene King's takeover of Spirit Pub Co investigated by competition commission

Published: 12 May, 2015

The Competition commission is looking into Greene King's proposed takeover of The Spirit Pub Company.

Opening: Primeur

Published: 11 May, 2015

Modern British restaurant Primeur seeks to offer no-frills, honest food and wine in a laid-back, minimalist setting in London's Canonbury.

Founders of Renissance Pubs Tom Peake, Nick Fox and Mark Reynolds talk about the rebrand and becoming 3 Cheers Pubs Co

Published: 08 May, 2015

Tom Peake, Nick Fox and Mark Reynolds, the pub group behind some of south London's most characterful informal establishments formerly known as Renaissance Pubs, were forced to have a rethink of their trading name and have undergone a rebranding to become Three Cheers.

Chief of the Week: Raul Diaz of WineTraining Limited

Published: 08 May, 2015

When we think of passion, patience and a man on a mission of spreading the love and appreciation for wine, Raul Diaz definitely comes to mind.

Bottle Apostle set to open fourth shop in London

Published: 07 May, 2015

Independent London wine merchant Bottle Apostle is set to open its fourth shop, which will be sited in the former London 2012 Olympic Athlete's village.