London on-trade sees October sales up 4.1%

London bar and restaurant chains have seen like for like sales up 4.1% in October, while outside the capital managed operators are ramping up new site openings.

Advertising legend Sir John Hegarty on what it is really like to be a winemaker

Perhaps unsurprisingly considering his high standing in the world of advertising, and the vociferous views on wine marketing which he expressed in last month's Harper's, Sir John Hegarty intends his 37 acre vineyard, located amid woodland and spontaneously sprouting herbs by Minervois' Montaigne Noire, to be a brave venture.

Going out to the pub is top leisure activity says Carlsberg study

Going to the pub is still the number one leisure activity, according to the findings of a consumer poll of some 1,800 people.

How Russian entrpreneurs are driving London's jet set to destination wine stores and restaurants

If you literally have it all, where do you go and spend it? As Glynn Davis discovers, there is a new mini club of entrepreneurs with the pockets and contact books to attract the best wines and richest customers

Holiday pay ruling could hamper investment in hospitality sector

The ruling that overtime should be included in holiday pay could hamper investment and lead to job cuts in the hospitality sector, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers has warned.

Diageo launches on-trade winter spirits campaign

Diageo is looking to help bartenders cash in on the 39% sales increase spirits enjoy in wintertime with a new campaign based on 'inspiring serves'.

The Week That Was: Tescogate and other top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, financial news for the drinks trade, Q&As, and opinion stories.

Master sommeliers Gerard Basset and Kathrine Larsen flag French wine potential in on-trade

Top sommeliers Gerard Basset and Kathrine Larsen say the on-trade needs to trust staff, not be afraid to have a French wine as the house offering, and tell compelling stories in order to boost sales in the category. 

Warm September boosts on-trade sales, says Coffer Peach data

September's Indian summer boosted the fortunes of restaurant and pub groups as like for like sales increased 2.2% on the same month in 213, according to the Coffer Peach Business Tracker data.

Former Gaucho boss, Martin Williams, promises London's best steaks at new "M" restaurant

The competition to have the best steaks in London will go up a notch next month when Martin Williams, formerly and famously of the Gaucho Group, opens his own highly ambitious steak themed restaurant in Threadneedle Street.

Laine Pub Company takes on original Battersea Jongleurs site

The site of the original Jongleurs comedy club in Battersea, south London, where the likes of Graham Norton, Bill Bailey and Phil Jupitus first made their name, has been transformed in to a major pub operation.

Kleine Zalze launches Cleefs wine range for independents

South African wine estate Kleine Zalze is targeting independents with a new range of wines under the Cleefs banner.

Steve Manktelow on the fun, excitement and mystery of the GOAT in Chelsea

Douglas Blyde speaks to Steve Manktelow on a career in bars and cocktails that has seen him work with legends like Dick Bradsell to running his own operation at the GOAT in Chelsea.

Crown Cellars boosts sales team as wine revenues grow 19% in past year

Carlsberg's wine and spirits on-trade arm Crown Cellars has boosted its sales team following a 19% increase in wine sales in the past 12 months.

The Week That Was: top news, Q&As and opinion on Harpers.co.uk

In case you missed some of the headlines this week on harpers.co.uk, we have done a review of the top online news, financial news for the drinks trade, Q&As, and opinion stories.

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