Ahead of next week's Boutique Bar show, organiser Andrew Scutts sets out what to expect:
What makes Boutique Bar show so different?
The Boutique Bar Show is the only show that guarantees equality for every brand. An opportunity for smaller independent brands to exhibit alongside larger companies, visitors will experience nothing but quality products on every stand.
Who is it aimed at?
Anyone in the industry who has an interest in offering there customers something unique and quality. Whether your a sommelier interested in XO Cognacs to tequilero's looking for something new on the back bar it is all here. It's a great place for independent retailers to find new brands and we also have a busines breakfast talk for the entrepeneurs out there.
What are the highlights of this year's show?
For me the highlights are the seminars and talks and the UKBG Competition Bar. We will have a mixture of serious competition combined with just for fun events including a four city shake off between London, Brighton, Leeds and Manchester.
Any particular brands to look out...new exhibitors...
There are a wide range of new exhibitors. From the guys in Hammersmith at Sipsmith Spirits to the new exclusive showing of Martells Creation. We have a nice range of Boutique Beers, some stunning rums and a particularly strong line up of Whiskies from Black Bottle to Cutty Sark through to Glenrothes.
What about seminars/talks..
I am really excited about the seminars this year. Trying to stick to things Boutique we are covering a lot of the lesser known categories with some really good speakers. Andy Pearson will be showing the mixability of Sherry, Peter Dorelli discussing Cognac, Sake, Shochu, Rum and Tequila will all be covered to with people such as Ian Burrell, Henry Besant and Mark Ridgewell.
What are the timings...
All the timings are on the website www.boutiquebarshow.com but the show is open from 11am until 6pm recognising that our core audience often work nights and appreciate a slightly later start!
* The Boutique Bar Show is being held September 15-16 at The Lindley Hall, Royal Horticultural Society, 80 Vincent Square, London