On-Trade - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Britain loses 30% of nightclubs since Covid

Published: 29 September, 2023

Covid and changing consumer habits have led to a sharp drop in Britain's nightclubs, according to new research from CGA by NIQ.

New opening nears for Oxford Wine Group

Published: 26 September, 2023

The Oxford Wine Group is now set to open its new wine bar on Oxford’s High Street on 2 October in the centre of the city.

Hospitality leaders hold on to optimism as inflation slows

Published: 20 September, 2023

Confidence is rising slightly among hospitality owners, new data suggest, despite inflation slowing at a ‘glacial’ pace and economic pressures in the offing, which could potentially leave the sector with a ‘billion-pound bill’.

73 venues listed in the Green Pub Guide

Published: 14 September, 2023

The Green Pub Guide, in association with Heineken, has returned for a second year and features 73 British pubs, bars and restaurants that have taken steps to reduce their environmental impact.

Hospitality sales struggle amidst inflation despite 6.7% increase

Published: 08 September, 2023

According to the latest UKHospitality Quarterly Sales Tracker, turnover was up 6.7% in the last year to £137billion but, compared to 2019, remains almost 20% behind in real terms, when accounting for inflation.

Scotland fears ‘multi-million-pound’ rates increase

Published: 04 September, 2023

UKHospitality Scotland is urging the first minister to address the multi-million-pound increase in business rates that is set to hamper Scottish hospitality next spring.

Vinoteca rescued by private equity firm

Published: 24 August, 2023

Wine bar group Vinoteca’s future has been secured with the purchase of the business out of administration by a private equity firm.

On-trade: Edinburgh focus

Published: 21 August, 2023

As Edinburgh’s dynamic wine and food scene continues to evolve, Andrew Catchpole dips in to some of its highlights.

Vinoteca’s future hangs in balance

Published: 17 August, 2023

Vinoteca has filed for protection from its creditors, leaving a big question mark over the future for the business.

Vacancies fall while prices rise for hospitality

Published: 16 August, 2023

The rate of overall UK inflation experienced a sharp fall to 6.8% in July – the same month which marked the fourth consecutive reduction in vacancies for hospitality. However, the sector is still facing numerous challenges.

Gosset Matchmakers 2023 finalists announced

Published: 15 August, 2023

The Champagne Gosset Matchmakers competition has revealed the top sommelier/chef teams who have made it to the final stages for 2023, where they will be battling out to be crowned top of the class.

Takeaway sales for pubs and bars extended

Published: 14 August, 2023

Pubs and bars in England and Wales will be able to continue selling takeaway drinks beyond the September deadline, meaning the on-trade will be able to continue to benefit from ‘hatch sales’ without having to apply for council permission.

Stamp scheme generates £32k for Cardiff indies

Published: 09 August, 2023

Since its launch just over a year ago, the Cardiff Wine Passport has generated more than £32,000 in revenue for independent restaurants and bars in Cardiff.

Pub closures surge again in Q2 breaking Q1 record

Published: 07 August, 2023

Pub closures reached back-to-back quarterly records in Q2 2023, smashing the previous unwanted benchmark set in Q1.

UK chains enjoy profit increase

Published: 07 August, 2023

According to research from UHY Hacker Young, the UK’s Top 100 restaurant groups have recorded a twelvefold increase in their profits in the last six months, rising from £19.9m in September 2022 to £241.8m in March 2023.

Oxford Wine Group announces new bar opening

Published: 31 July, 2023

Having celebrated its crowning as the number one merchant in Harpers' 50 Best Indies list 2023, The Oxford Wine Group has announced it will open a brand-new city centre venue later this year.

Professional development and well-being number one priorities for drinks industry

Published: 28 July, 2023

Results from the annual survey conducted by The Drinks Trust revealed that almost all (96%) of the drinks industry want to undertake professional development initiatives to help them in their career in the next 12 months.

On-trade overlooked by government says 62% of hospitality businesses

Published: 27 July, 2023

62% of hospitality businesses believe the sector receives less support and attention than other industries, new research from Peckwater Brands (PWB) has found.

Flaming June offers some respite for hospitality

Published: 26 July, 2023

A scorching June helped Britain's managed restaurant, pub and bar groups achieve a ninth successive month of year-on-year sales growth, according to the latest Coffer CGA Business Tracker.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead Q&A: Richard Bigg, Camino and Bar Rioja

Published: 24 July, 2023

Mid way through 2023, Harpers is taking stock of yet another turbulent year for the drinks trade, with plenty of highs and lows, so far. We continue our series with Richard Bigg, founder of Camino and Bar Rioja (pictured with wife Inma), to find out how the year as gone so far, and what the remainder may bring.