All news articles for February 2018

Wake up call: the public is now more aware than ever about the dangers of plastic straws

How pubs can take advantage of biodegradable straws

By Georgina Townshend

As more pubs are taking the plunge and ejecting plastic straws from their bars, The Morning Advertiser talks to two major suppliers of biodegradable straws to find out more about the greener alternatives available on the market.

Rising up: non-Champagne sparkling wine volume was up by a third and value sales by 27% in the first half of last year (CGA)

Shifting world wine trends

By Nigel Huddleston

The winds of change are blowing through the world of wines as factors ranging from currency fluctuations to weather-impacted harvest levels cause both suppliers and consumers to look beyond stereotypical options to new markets and styles.

Earn as you learn - M&B plans to increase its apprenticeship numbers

M&B to boost apprenticeship numbers even further

By James Wallin

Mitchells & Butlers is aiming to exceed last year’s tally of 1,300 apprenticeships taken up, the group’s HR director has told the Morning Advertiser's sister title MCA.

Election hopeful: Nicholas Hair called for CAMRA to act as a 'disruptor' and called for an end to the tied pub system

CAMRA election hopeful targets increased political presence

By James Beeson

Nicholas Hair, regional young members' co-ordinator for the Kent branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) vowed to increase the organisation’s political influence as he seeks election to its national executive.

Perfect pictures are not crucial for pub success on Instagram

Get the picture: promoting your pub with Instagram

By Claire Churchard, Georgina Townshend and Stuart Stone

Humans are visual beings, making Instagram an ideal place to showcase your pub. Experts and operators reveal how they get over the line first in a photo finish.

On the up: sparkling wine sales do not just boom on Valentine's Day

Sparkling wine sales set to soar

By Nikkie Sutton

Sales of fizz are expected to continue to rise after a record-breaking year, according to figures from the Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

Gen Z: they love their tech, but why are they important for pubs?

Pub Skills: HR Summit

Gen Z: future pub employees, what you need to know

By Claire Churchard

Ahead of the Pub Skills: HR Summit on 27 February, The Morning Advertiser chats to Generation Z expert and speaker at the event Josephine Hansom, director at Youth Research & Insight, to find out more about this very different group of future employees,...

Hey you guys: publican invites 'fit, fat and fugly' to his singles Valentine's night

Publican welcomes 'fit, fat and fugly' people for Valentine's event

By Georgina Townshend

A publican who has previously been in trouble for controversial posters, one of which includes his chef dressed as a Nazi, has welcomed the "fit, fat and fugly" - along with a picture of Sloth from the The Goonies - in his bar's 'undateables'...

Night to remember: the 2018 Publican Award winners will be revealed at the Battersea Evolution on 13 March

Video: Publican Awards judging day 2018

By Stuart Stone

On Monday 5 January nominees for the 2018 Publican Awards descended on London from across the country for their final chance to dazzle the judges before winners are announced on 13 March at the Battersea Evolution.

Most popular: Mojito tops the list of most served cocktails in the on-trade

How to make the five best-selling cocktails

By Nikkie Sutton

Cocktails are showing no signs of going away and operators need to ensure they are tapping into the latest trends in the category to boost their bottom lines.

Up and away: gin sales are on the rise

British gin outsells beef

By Huw Cross

Britain exports more gin than beef, according to new figures that show overseas sales reached £530m in 2017.

Product recall: Fairfax Meadow pulls meat

A second meat supplier recalls products

By Huw Cross

A leading supplier of meat to pubs, bars and restaurants has recalled products after an unannounced Food Standards Agency (FSA) inspection, causing JD Wetherspoon to pull dishes from its menu again.

Growing: popularity of American Football has increased rapidly in the UK since the first NFL London game in 2007 between the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants

Super Bowl Sunday doubles sales for GBPA nominated pub

By Stuart Stone

The Philadelphia Eagles’ win over the New England Patriots on 4 February helped set up record sales at a London pub nominated in the sports pub category at the 2017 Great British Pub Awards.

The only legal means for pubgoers in the UK to watch European football when the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League return is via a BT Sport commercial subscription.

In association with FACT and BT Sport

UEFA targets illegal streaming

By MA Editorial

UEFA granted court order to block illegal streams of UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League

On the up: premium soft drinks sales value is growing almost 28% year on year

Key soft drinks trends for pubs

By Nikkie Sutton

Technology, appealing to a broad range of ages and personalisation are just three of the trends operators need to ensure their soft drinks offer pulls in the punters.

End of an era: Having hosted acts including Nirvana, Biffy Clyro and the Arctic Monkeys, the Bristol Bierkeller closed its doors for good last week

Famous music venue closes with immediate effect

By Stuart Stone

The Bristol Bierkeller closed its doors for the last time on Thursday 8 February after developers of the All Saints Street site didn’t include the popular music venue in its regeneration plans.

Full of beans: Why a great cup of coffee will keep customers happy

Cup and away: How to choose the right coffee machine for your pub

By Georgina Townshend

As the popularity of coffee shows no signs of abating, customers expect to get a high-quality beverage wherever they go – including pubs. The Morning Advertiser (MA) looks at the machines that can help you deliver what your customers want.