2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Nik Darlington, Red Squirrel Wine

For founder of Red Squirrel Wine, Nik Darlington, 2015 was a year of tremendous growth. Next year Darlington is looking forward to getting his wines even further around the UK. He sees that in 2016 the way forward, although challenging, will be through building a loyal and sustainable customer base.

ALERT: Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme in Force from 1 January 2016

From the 1 January 2016 HMRC will introduce the Alcohol Wholesaler Registration Scheme (AWRS) to tackle alcohol fraud. Cindy Dorrington of Bivonas Law asseses the implication for the trade. 

November leisure spend falls as Britons watch spending in lead up to Christmas

Last month the average British household spent £188.41 on out of home leisure, which is a decrease of £5 (2%) year-on-year and a £17 (8%) decrease compared to October according to the Greene King Leisure Spend Tracker.

2015 year in review and hopes and fears for 2016: Roger Jones, The Harrow at Little Bedwyn

The celebrated Roger Jones of Michelin-star restaurant The Harrow at Little Bedwyn had a great 2015 with sales up 20%! He

Newly launched iSommelier device receives innovation award

The iSommelier, a 'smart' decanter which reduces aeration time for a wine from hours to minutes, has been awarded the 2015 Innovation Trophy.

Australia Day Tastings revealed for London, Dublin and Edinburgh

Wine Australia has announced the dates of its Australia Day Tastings for 2016.

Searcys St Pancras celebrates Christmas with Cocoflake hybrid

Analysis: Is BYOB set to rise in the UK on-trade?

With consumers increasingly expectant of value for money while dining out, it begs the important question of whether the market for BYOB is poised to grow in 2016?

Matthew Clark predicts adventurous 2016 for consumers

Leading online distributor Matthew Clark is predicting that UK consumers will become yet more inquisitive in 2016.

Manchester pub smashes own world record for varieties of gin

The Old Bell Inn in Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, has added a 600th variety of gin to its list.

First finalists for Diageo Reserve World Class UK 2016 revealed

Diageo Reserve has announced the first five UK finalists for its World Class UK 2016 competition, which aims to find the best bartender in the UK.

UK on-trade failing to keep up in battle against under-age drinking

The UK on-trade needs to do more to contend with the problem of under-age drinking, according to a new survey released this week.

Insight: Coffee shop by day and wine bar by night outlets are hot

Coffee operators are turning their focus from daytime-only trade to the evening opportunity, including alcohol sales. Jo Bruce looks at the trend for serving skinny lattes alongside Sauvignon Blanc.

Analysis: Independent merchants trends for 2016

With the growing popularity of hybrid wine shops, the independent retailers are finding strength in offering their customers something that the 'big boys' are not able to. So what does 2016 hold for the sector? James Lawrence investigates

Flint Wines to unveil the reborn Domaine Launay-Horiot at 2016 en primeur tasting

London-based on-trade supplier Flint Wines has added Burgundy's resurrected Domaine Launay-Horiot estate to its portfolio.

Q&A: Nik Darlington, founder, Red Squirrel Wine

Insights: What will blaze the way for on-trade trends in 2016?

From sipping tequila to shorter wine lists, Douglas Blyde asked leading figures in the on-trade what trends they predict will lead the way in 2016

New managing director at Matthew Clark after Conviviality acquisition

On-trade distributor Matthew Clark is to get a new managing director following its acquisition by Conviviality Retail in a £200 million reverse takeover in October.

Wetherspoon cyber breach reveals 650,000 customer details

Popular pub chain JD Wetherspoon has been the victim of a massive cyber attack, the company revealed today.

A big year ahead for rum and craft beer, Bibendum PLB predicts

Rum, old world reds and craft beers all present big opportunities for 2016, according to the insight team at Bibendum PLB in its end-of-year predictions.