Cocktail sales grow 10% in UK on-trade, says CGA

The popularity of cocktails has translated into a 10.8% sales growth spurt across the UK's bars and pubs in the past two years, with rum and mint drink Mojito coming out on top.

Peter Borg-Neal on developing a regional chain with Oakman Inns

Fiona Griffiths talks to entrepreneur Peter Borg-Neal about his 10-strong (and growing) Hertfordshire-based group of pubs and restaurants, Oakman Inns.

Ex Scott's team opens Verden restaurant and wine bar in east London

The former team behind renowned Mayfair restaurant Scott's have joined forces with a senior Ogilvy PR to open Verden, a new wine bar and restaurant in east London.

Bibendum bets on spirits in on-trade during festive trading period

Bibendum expects spirits to perform strongly in the run-up to Christmas after rum and gin sales shot up in the past 12 weeks, and the number of on-trade venues selling cocktails has grown by one third in the past year.

Proximo Spirits introduces TINCUP American whiskey in to the UK

Adnams adds Karen Hester as executive director

Suffolk brewer and distiller Adnams has added Karen Hester to its main board as an executive director.

Barworks expands 5cc cocktail bar concept to fourth site

Barworks, the operator behind a host of London's trendiest drinking dens, has opened its fourth 5cc cocktail bar below its Electricity Showrooms venue in Hoxton Square.

Mark Dally on driving wine across Fuller's 400 pubs and hotels

Think of Fuller's and you think of beer. The west London-based group owns nearly 400 pubs and hotels, and the guest beer and take-home market has made its London Pride one of the most popular ale brands in the UK, writes Nigel Huddleston.

Gordon Ramsay to open Heddon Street Kitchen off London's Regent Street

Heddon Street Kitchen is to be the latest London opening from the ever expanding Gordon Ramsay Group taking its portfolio of restaurants to 13.

No 3 Gin cocktail winner turns to Beatrix Potter's Mr Tod for inspiration

Let's be honest the average top bartender is not the kind of person who would admit turning to Beatrix Potter for inspiration. Let alone the kind of bartender who would be allowed to play along the back bar of the uber cool City Social in Old Broad Street in London.

Campaign for Real Ale appoints Tim Page as new chief executive

The Campaign for Real Ale has appointed charity veteran Tim Page as its new chief executive.

Hospitality industry to create 6,000 jobs for young people by Christmas

The British hospitality industry will create 6,000 new jobs for 16 to 24 year olds by the end of the year, says the industry's trade association.

Mitchells & Butlers adds 195 sites in past year

Mitchells & Butlers, one of the largest operators within the UK market, has been quietly growing the number of site throughout the year and has added 195 new sites over the past year.

Wine importer Red Squirrel sees wholesale business grow fivefold in three months

Chiswick wine importer Red Squirrel Wine has seen its wholesale business take off after it beefed up its portfolio and revamped its logo and website.

Matthew Clark appoints new wine buyer

On-trade wine supplier Matthew Clark has appointed Judith Nicholson as assistant wine buyer to help expand the group's wine portfolio.

Diageo's Smirnoff vodka launches £15m campaign

Smirnoff vodka has launched a £15 million marketing campaign - including TV advertising - in order to grow the category and make it more accessible.

The Harrow's Roger Jones follows Heston Blumenthal by taking his restaurant offer overseas

Heston Blumenthal is not the only British Michelin-starred chef to be taking his restaurant overseas in the new year as Rojer Jones is set to travel to South Africa to embark on a restaurant tour with his award-winning The Harrow at Little Bedwyn.

What to expect at SITT Autumn: Richard Dudley Craig, Dudley Craig Wines

Here Richard Dudley Craig explains what Dudley Craig Wines will have on show at the SITT Autumn tasting on September 24 at the Royal Horticultural Halls in London.

Buckingham Schenk sees Argentina and Prosecco sales soar

Buckingham Schenk see sales of its Argentinian Viñalba brand rocket, with Prosecco also leading the charge while pre-filled goblets hit sales of 1 million.  

Heston Blumenthal to open Melbourne version of Fat Duck on February 3

The Australian version of Heston Blumenthal's Fat Duck restaurant is to open in Melbourne in February 3 2015 with reservations being taken from October 8.