All news articles for June 2018

Healthy dessert: 'better-for-you' ice cream is a trend that it set to shine this summer according to Mintel

Hot food and drink trends for summer 2018

By Nikkie Sutton

This summer, operators need to keep their fingers on the pulse with the latest trends including meat-free barbecue, healthy ice cream, snacks and beer pairing, and bold flavoured sparkling water.

Serious reaction: adhering to legislation that covers allergies is vitally important

Top operator restores confidence after nut allergy mistake

By Claire Churchard

A customer with a severe nut allergy was recently served nuts at the Oxford branch of the Alchemist despite telling the waiting staff about her allergy and being told specifically that the meal she was ordering did not contain nuts.

Tricky situation:  the nation's smaller craft gin distillers could face testing times, according to the WSTA

A hard Brexit 'could wipe gin out'

By Nikkie Sutton

The Wine & Spirit Trade Association (WSTA) has warned the UK could be faced with a gin drought if a no-deal Brexit comes to pass.

Looking ahead: NACM chief executive Fenella Tyler believes the industry will be

The Big Interview: NACM chief exec Fenella Tyler

By Nicholas Robinson

The cider sector is not treated as fairly as other drinks businesses according to those involved in it, and the effect of Brexit is yet to be seen, but National Association of Cider Makers chief executive Fenella Tyler is upbeat about a product experiencing...

Pub sector champion: Stonegate's Ian Payne receives MBE in Queen's birthday honours

Pub luminary recognised in Queen’s birthday honours 2018

By Claire Churchard

Ian Payne, founder and chairman of Stonegate Pub Company, has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours for services to the hospitality and pub industry with a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award.

Local produce: Lynx Purchasing urges operators to use UK-caught fish and shellfish

Farm labour shortage could hit food prices

By Nikkie Sutton

The shortage of migrant labour facing UK farmers could hit supplies and prices of seasonal fruit and vegetables this summer, operators have been warned.

Helping hand: When you are in debt it is important to have someone to offer you help

Debt management: the penny drops

By Jo Bruce

Financial problems are common across the entire sector so it’s no surprise many publicans are feeling the pinch. Here is some advice on coping with debt and finding a way out of it.

Ring return: Tyson Fury makes a long awaited return to boxing after more than two years away

Tyson Fury begins comeback against Albania’s Sefer Seferi

By Stuart Stone

Former world heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury returns after two and a half years away from the ring. Can he make the likes of Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder sit up and take notice when he fights Sefer Seferi on Saturday night?

On the dotted line: rent reviews can make the difference between making money or closing down

Wetherspoon ‘not as clever’ as it thought on rents

By The MA

Wetherspoon has pursued a strategy of agreeing “virtually no open-market rent reviews” in past 16 to 17 years to avoid rent hikes brought about by the rise of casual dining, according to the pub company's founder Tim Martin.

New acquisition: the six Bel & The Dragon sites acquired by Fuller's are seen as a 'perfect fit' with the current estate

Fuller's acquires Bel & The Dragon

By Stuart Stone

While releasing its financial results for the 52 weeks ending March 31 2018, Fuller, Smith & Turner (Fuller's) announced that it has acquired Bel & The Dragon.

Sell-out: Beavertown is reportedly close to committing the ultimate craft beer betrayal

Craft Beer Connoisseur - Pop goes the Beaver

By Craft Beer connoisseur

I was devastated to read the news earlier this week that Beavertown Brewery could be considering selling a stake of its business to beer giant Heineken.

Doing the double: Staffordshire to get second Neil Morrissey pub

Neil Morrissey to open second pub

By MCA and MA staff

Actor Neil Morrissey has secured a second site for his fledgling pub company, MA's sister title MCA understands.

Prestigious list: drinks experts and bartenders from across England, Scotland and Wales attended the announcement of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list

In pictures: seen at Top 50 Cocktail Bars

By Nikkie Sutton

Bartenders and drinks experts from across the nation came together for the reveal of the Top 50 Cocktail Bars list earlier this week (Monday, 4 June).

Controversial advice: MPs are to hear from Paul Newby and Fiona Dickie

Above the law?: Pubcos v PCA

By Claire Churchard

A row is brewing over advice published by the pubs code adjudicator in March with pubcos threatening potential legal action.

Winning pair: Tanya and Alex Williams were commended for their knowledge and experience

St Austell publicans scoop Licensee of the Year 2018 award

By Claire Churchard and Stuart Stone

Tanya and Alex Williams of the Polgooth Inn in St Austell, Cornwall, have won the 2018 Licensee of the Year award – sponsored by Sky – at the British Institute of Innkeeping’s (BII) summer event.

High demand: drinkers flocked to Ales Tales festival, which showcased beer from 20 Belgian breweries

What can Belgian beer still offer to UK pubs?

By James Beeson

For many years, when the UK craft beer scene was but a twinkle in James Watt and Martin Dickie’s eyes, the mark of a good beer pub would often be the strength of its Belgian beer list.

Shoot-out winners: the Gun from Hackney hit five perfect penalties to victory over the Liver Vaults

The Gun wins shoot-out in BT Sport Pub Cup Final

By Stuart Stone

The Gun in Hackney, east London, beat the reigning BT Sport Pub Cup winners the Liver Vaults of Liverpool in a closely fought encounter to win this year’s competition.