Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Rate of hospitality closures slows

Published: 08 May, 2024

The latest data from CGA shows that closures in Britain’s hospitality sector slowed from eight sites a day in 2023 to four a day in the first quarter of 2024.

Digital influence grows as Brits turn to Google for venue recommendations

Published: 29 April, 2024

In a digital age where choices abound, Brits are increasingly relying on the digital sphere, particularly Google, for recommendations on hospitality venues, reveals insight consultancy, KAM.

Government launches probe into hospitality staffing

Published: 29 April, 2024

A new inquiry into the recruitment and retention of staff in hospitality is due to explore the reasons behind high vacancy rates, while also asking what more the sector can do to make improvements before passing a series of recommendations to government.

Visa changes threaten to price out overseas sommeliers

Published: 10 April, 2024

The new minimum salary threshold for hospitality workers has now come into force, meaning that overseas waiters and sommeliers have to earn at least £38,700 in order to qualify for a UK visa.

Nick Gillett: Staffing issues yet another blow under a government failing hospitality

Published: 08 April, 2024

The UK government recently announced that it would create 20,000 new apprenticeships by reforming the complex, paperwork-fuelled, resource-thirsty apprenticeship levy system for SMEs. A move that should benefit hospitality businesses up and down the country by bringing in new blood at the beginning of their careers. Phrases like ‘cut red tape’ and ‘regulatory burdens slashed’ appear throughout the government’s official, grand announcement – but forgive me if I retain my cynicism for now. This is coming from a government that has done nothing but increase the burden on business. And I’ll come back to that shortly.

Easter weekend Hospitality bookings up 40%

Published: 28 March, 2024

The latest insight from hospitality technology partner Zonal reveals bookings for Easter weekend are up 40% compared to 2023.

Hospitality visits suffer as weekend revellers cut back

Published: 22 March, 2024

Visits to the on-trade are taking a tumble as consumers cut two nights’ worth of out of home eating and drinking down to one, new research reveals.

Hospitality continues slow start to 2024

Published: 14 March, 2024

Britain’s top hospitality groups achieved modest like-for-like sales growth of 1.4% in February, the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker has revealed.

The Cocktail Co agrees LWC listing

Published: 11 March, 2024

The Cocktail Co, a producer of premium, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails, has secured a listing with the UK’s largest independent drinks wholesaler, LWC, with a view to on-trade expansion.

Calls to the LTC helpline increased by 43% in 2023

Published: 08 March, 2024

The Licensed Trade Charity (LTC), which supports drinks professionals in need of emotional support, specialist advice and financial assistance, experienced a 43% jump in calls to its helpline in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Only A Pavement Away helps hundreds into employment

Published: 06 March, 2024

Hospitality charity Only A Pavement Away is celebrating a major milestone as reaches its five-year anniversary, by helping to place over 450 people into employment.

30 Under 30: Final call for nominations

Published: 19 February, 2024

Tomorrow’s deadline to nominate yourself or a colleague for Harpers’ 30 Under 30 is almost here.

Kink(All)Y and Bar Kinky

Published: 12 February, 2024

Georgian-inspired restaurant Kinkally and its subterranean cocktail den, Bar Kinky, are now open on Charlotte Street.

Farm Shop

Published: 09 February, 2024

Artfarm, the independent hospitality company behind Roth Bar & Grill, the Fife Arms Hotel and Mount St Restaurant, has opened its 35-cover wine bar, Farm Shop, tucked away in the heart of Mayfair.

The Drinks Trust launches industry survey

Published: 08 February, 2024

The Drinks Trust has launched its annual industry survey to better understand the needs of the hospitality workforce.

Hospitality sales up 6% in Q4

Published: 02 February, 2024

New data from Fourth has revealed hospitality revenue in Q4 2023 is up 6.1% year-on-year.

Parliament debate: 'Special treatment' need for hospitality over VAT

Published: 01 February, 2024

There has been resounding support for hospitality business in parliament this week as MPs reported that the sector is “screaming out that VAT is too high”.

Harpers snap survey: Removing 250ml wouldn’t damage sales

Published: 24 January, 2024

Following a recent University of Cambridge study, which found that removing 250ml servings of wine by the glass cut consumption by almost 8%, Harpers launched a snap survey, to see how such a measure might affect the trade.

Friday read: Maximum impact – the cancelled train strikes impacting bookings by 50%

Published: 19 January, 2024

The ongoing threat of strikes is causing unmitigated damage to the UK hospitality industry, with business telling Harpers they can impact trade by 50% or more, even if they don’t go ahead.