A cheap and cheerful Christmas

It seems no matter where the cost increase comes from – whether it be energy bills, business rates or fuel increases – the consumer will always pay the ultimate price.

UK pub closures have doubled in last three months

The number of pubs closing across the country, having called last orders for the final time, has rocketed by 50% in the last three months.   

The World’s 50 Best Bars 2022 revealed

London seated diner numbers fall short of pre-pandemic levels

According to data from OpenTable, the global restaurant booking system, dining numbers in London are falling short of pre-pandemic levels.

Red tape cut for thousands of growing businesses

On Sunday, October 2, prime minister Liz Truss announced that red tape would be cut for thousands of growing businesses.

Drinks hold out over food in cost-of-living crisis

On-trade drinking occasions are holding up despite the cost-of-living crisis, according to drinks insights agency, Proof Insight.

Big Issue and C&C join forces in recruitment initiative

Leading drinks manufacturer and distributor C&C Group is embarking on a new, three-year partnership with the Big Issue Group to support the communities it serves across the UK and Ireland, aiming to change lives through enterprise.   

Business energy bills capped by government relief scheme

The government has announced a new energy relief scheme that will reduce energy bills for businesses by 50% of expected levels. 

Hospitality insolvencies jump 59%

The latest insolvency figures show just how hard the hospitality industry has been affected by the cost-of-living crisis and soaring energy bills, with pubs, bars and restaurants some of the worst hit among UK businesses.

The Drinks Trust announces campaign to help hospitality workers facing fuel poverty

Next month, the Drinks Trust will launch the Emergency Energy Poverty Fund, a dedicated grant-giving campaign to help vulnerable hospitality workers heat and power their homes.

Businesses urged to get behind ‘Hospitality Apprenticeships Week’

Trade bodies, charities and training providers have come together to promote Hospitality Apprenticeships Week 2022, running between 3 and 9 October.

UK’s most popular wines unveiled

Much is written in Harpers about alternative styles and lesser-known grape varieties, and for good reason – discovering new and exciting wines is all part of the fun in this business.

Cautious optimism for energy freeze as trade braces for bitter winter

The six-month energy cap unveiled by the Prime Minister yesterday has been met with a smattering of optimism among businesses. Though predictably, the resounding consensus from many corners of the trade is that the measure does not nearly go far enough in limiting the impact of exorbitant energy costs.

Over the inflation cliff

Inflation is 2022’s pandemic. As we emerge from a health-focused crisis, it’s increasingly becoming clear that the health of the public purse and the damaging cost of living is now society’s most pressing issue. No sector is unaffected. From household items to commercial costs – largely driven by spiralling fuel and shipping increases – all are feeling the additional weight of rising costs, which even the biggest players aren’t able to absorb.  

Energy surcharges loom as restaurants face crippling costs

Businesses are facing a brutal decision this winter: charge customers to keep the lights on, or risk going bust under eye-watering energy bills.

Hospitality industry urges new Prime Minister Liz Truss to ‘act quickly and decisively’ to save the sector

On Monday (5 September), Conservative Party members chose a new leader and, therefore, a new Prime Minister. Liz Truss secured 57% of the vote, defeating Rishi Sunak in the race to Number 10.

Tackling throwaway culture in the drinks trade

With Scotland announcing it will be going ahead with the introduction of its deposit return scheme (DRS) next year, on-trade operators have been voicing their concerns and identifying some potential pitfalls. England, Wales and Northern Ireland are also set to introduce their own schemes in 2024, so operators there will also have an eye on how it goes north of the border.

London Cocktail Week returns 13-23 October 2022

London Cocktail Week will return to the capital this October, the biggest festival of its kind.

UKH urges government to issue on-trade rescue package

UKHospitality (UKH)chief executive Kate Nicholls has written an urgent letter to the UK government, outlining the potential disaster facing thousands of businesses in light of the energy crisis.

The Drinks Trust partners with Equal Measures to promote diversity

The Drinks Trust has partnered with the Equal Measures initiative to support marginalised and underrepresented people within the cocktail and spirits industry.