On-Trade - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Sommelier Wine Awards 2024 revealed

Published: 13 May, 2024

The results of the Sommelier Wine Awards (SWA) 2024 are now live, revealing the Gold, Silver and Bronze medal wines.

‘Resilient’ hospitality pushes back

Published: 10 May, 2024

A joint survey spanning several leading hospitality bodies has showed that venues have the appetite to invest in the future of their businesses, despite continuing to face a wide range of cost pressures.

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.

Nominations now open for Top 50 Sommeliers

Published: 08 May, 2024

Harpers is delighted to open this year’s round of nominations for Top 50 Sommeliers.

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.

Le Gavroche auction raises £2m

Published: 26 April, 2024

Christie’s recent auction of rare wines, art and memorabilia from the iconic Le Gavroche restaurant has made headlines, with proceeds exceeding £2m. Following the closure of the revered two-Michelin-starred Mayfair establishment after 57 years of service, items from the Roux family’s legacy were put up for sale earlier this month.

Coravin to bring exclusive wines to UK restaurants

Published: 24 April, 2024

Coravin, the leading company in wine preservation technology, has launched its latest global venture aimed at revolutionising the ‘by the glass’ wine experience on a global scale.

James Wheeler takes helm as director of Lyan Bars

Published: 23 April, 2024

James Wheeler has assumed the role of director at Lyan Bars, joining forces with bartender Ryan Chetiyawardana (aka Mr Lyan) and MD Alex Lawrence. Wheeler’s tenure spans over nine years with the Lore Group, overseeing the Lyan bars portfolio including Seed Library at One Hundred Shoreditch and Lyaness at Sea Containers. His new responsibilities extend to overseeing all Mr Lyan bars globally, including Super Lyan in Amsterdam and Silver Lyan in Washington DC.

Incipio unveils F&B plans for Olympia development

Published: 22 April, 2024

Incipio Group, known for The Libertine, The Prince, and Pergola on the Wharf, has unveiled plans to introduce an elevated food and beverage (F&B) offering to the new Olympia development in West London. The venue, famous for hosting trade shows like the London Wine Fair, will soon showcase several premium dining and drinking experiences.

Hospitality groups enjoy 5.2% growth in March

Published: 18 April, 2024

In March 2024, Britain’s leading hospitality groups achieved above-inflation like-for-like sales growth of 5.2%, according to the latest CGA RSM Hospitality Business Tracker.

Des Gunewardena introduces Engel and Jang

Published: 17 April, 2024

Des Gunewardena, co-founder and former chief executive of D&D London, has unveiled the forthcoming launch of Engel and Jang, set to debut at the London Royal Exchange in June 2024. This venture marks the inaugural project from Gunewardena's newly established hospitality entity, D3 Collective.

UK’s biggest pub group Stonegate faces collapse with £2bn debt pile

Published: 11 April, 2024

The UK’s largest pub and bar operator, Stonegate Pub Company, has warned it may not continue as “a going concern” amid struggles to refinance a £2.2bn debt mountain.

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.

The Portobello Pub Company acquires Darwin & Wallace

Published: 10 April, 2024

The Portobello Pub Company, the pub and restaurant operator, has completed a deal to purchase the London-based bar-restaurant business, Darwin & Wallace.

Rail strikes in 2024 have cost hospitality £750m

Published: 05 April, 2024

Industrial action across the rail network from Friday 5 April to Monday 8 April is estimated to cost the hospitality sector £387m, according to UKhospitality.