On-Trade - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Government's Low Pay Commission remit to affect hospitality industry

Published: 31 July, 2024

The Low Pay Commission (LPC) has been instructed to recommend a new National Living Wage to take effect from April 2025.

Licensed Trade Charity launches new website and podcast

Published: 30 July, 2024

Licensed Trade Charity (LTC), a 230-year-old organisation supporting the licensed hospitality sector and its schools, has launched a new website and podcast series, LTC Talks, to enhance its digital communication resources.

Christmas 2024 bookings surge by 54%

Published: 29 July, 2024

Bookings for Christmas 2024 have risen by 54% compared to the same period in 2023, according to hospitality technology partner Zonal. Over half of these bookings (52%) are for Christmas Day, up from 44% last year. Saturday 14 December is currently the most popular day for festive bookings, followed by Saturday 7 December.

67 Pall Mall announces new head of wine for Europe

Published: 29 July, 2024

Private members’ club 67 Pall Mall has announced the appointment of Kathrine Larsen-Robert MS to the role of head of wine for Europe as it continues to expand its popular model at home and abroad.

Jillian MacLean awarded Freedom of the City of London

Published: 23 July, 2024

Jillian MacLean MBE, CEO and founder of leading bar and restaurant group Drake & Morgan, has been awarded the Freedom of the City of London for her contribution to the hospitality industry.

Hospitality insolvencies rise 20% over past year

Published: 19 July, 2024

The latest company insolvency statistics reveal a 20% increase in accommodation and food service insolvencies over the year to May 2024, rising from 3,133 in the 12 months to May 2023 to 3,752 in the 12 months to May 2024. However, there was a 9% decrease in month-on-month insolvencies in May 2024.

On-trade: The highs, lows and holding on

Published: 18 July, 2024

Clinton Cawood examines the sectors of the market faring best and those suffering the most.

Government unveils key measures for hospitality growth

Published: 18 July, 2024

The Labour government’s first King’s Speech has been welcomed by the hospitality sector for introducing measures aimed at achieving a 6% annual growth potential. Key proposals include reforms to the Apprenticeship Levy and the planning system, which were major requests from industry body UKHospitality.

Only A Pavement Away hits major milestone

Published: 16 July, 2024

Only A Pavement Away, the charity which supports people facing homelessness to rebuild their lives through employment, has announced the placement of its 500th member into work.

Euro 2024 drives surge in pub spending

Published: 10 July, 2024

Almost half (46%) of Londoners have spent more time at pubs, bars and restaurants during Euro 2024, the first men’s summer football tournament since Covid-19 lockdowns, according to new research from payments company Dojo. Across the UK, nearly one in four (23%) have done the same.

BIH Spotlight Awards open for nominations

Published: 09 July, 2024

Be Inclusive Hospitality (BIH) has opened nominations for the third BIH Spotlight Awards, scheduled for 21 October 2024 at M Threadneedle Street, London. The awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and businesses from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds in the hospitality, food and drink sectors.

Deputy mayor for business pledges support for hospitality at inaugural LCW event

Published: 09 July, 2024

The deputy mayor of London for business was one of a number of senior officials to descend on Diageo’s global HQ yesterday (8 July), where the organisers of London Cocktail Week convened a daylong collaborative event aimed at hearing from the city’s hospitality sector.

Trade amplifies pleas to new government

Published: 05 July, 2024

With a new day and a new government in situ in Westminster, the trade has reiterated the need for support for the UK’s struggling hospitality sector, with reform to business rates and permanently extending the duty easement both top of the agenda.

Businesses face uncertain future with general election

Published: 02 July, 2024

With issues such as cash flow, VAT, businesses rates and staffing all placing continued strain on the UK drinks industry, businesses have just a few days left to decide which parties’ pledges have the best hope of steering the sector towards prosperity.

Pemiumisation remains the key driver in on-trade drinks sales

Published: 02 July, 2024

The trend to premium drinking is predicted to continue as consumers continue to drink less but better, according to the latest insights from analyst CGA by NIQ. Moreover, while ‘value-for-money’ remains key, this is about drinks ‘worth the price’, rather than ‘cheap’.

SWAs full results revealed for 2024

Published: 01 July, 2024

Harpers is delighted to announce the results of the revamped and rebooted Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) which were revealed this afternoon (1 July) at Imbibe Live.

Des Gunewardena to launch major F&B concept at revamped British 'institution'

Published: 01 July, 2024

Restaurant tycoon Des Gunewardena is set to launch a major new restaurant, bar and events space at the new £1.3bn redevelopment of Olympia in West London.

The results: Top 50 Sommeliers 2024

Published: 01 July, 2024

Harpers is delighted to reveal our newly expanded Top 50 Sommeliers list, celebrating the best in this dynamic and hugely important part of the hospitality and drinks world. Special congratulations go to Gareth Ferreira MS, head sommelier and beverage director at Core by Clare Smyth, who tops an incredible round up of talent.

UK restaurant groups see record May delivery sales growth

Published: 25 June, 2024

Britain’s leading managed restaurant groups experienced their highest year-on-year growth in delivery sales for 2024 last month, according to CGA by NIQ’s latest Hospitality at Home Tracker.

UKH welcomes pledge of ‘comprehensive review’ for England's nighttime economy

Published: 24 June, 2024

The Conservative Party has committed in its manifesto to a comprehensive review of England's nighttime economy, aiming to overhaul existing licensing laws and planning regulations.