Vocation releases new seasonal line-up
Yorkshire-based Vocation Brewery has unveiled a new range of seasoning brews.
Available now on draught in 30L keg format for the summer months, the new beers have been crafted to help venues differentiate their offer and encourage guests to trade-up.
The line-up spans a mix of refreshing, sessionable styles and more expressive, hop-forward beers – giving operators the flexibility to cater to a wide range of tastes and occasions.
Commenting on the launch, Vocation marketing manager Chris Mitchell said: “Summer is a key moment for pubs, with longer days, footfall-driving sports fixtures and more frequent social occasions.
“Drinkers are balancing moderation with a willingness to trade up – they want beers that feel worth the spend.
“Seasonal and limited-edition beers play an important role here, and independent brewers can really add value by bringing innovation, flavour and variety.”
Available now:
- The Surrealist (5.5% ABV Belgian Witbier)
- Dry Humour (6% ABV Brut IPA)
- Tiger Trail (5.5% ABV India Pale Lager)
- The Lure (6% ABV NEIPA)
Available from June:
- Mini Monster (3% ABV Table Beer)
- Hop Giant (4% ABV Hazy Pale Ale)
Available June through to August:
- Extra Time (4.8% ABV Extra Pale Ale)
- Kiwi Horizon (4.3% Extra Pale Ale)
- Kobo Bloom (5.8% Sake Yeast IPA)
Jägermeister Orange launches in on-trade
Jägermeister Orange is a twist on the herbal liqueur with a smooth, citrusy and subtly bittersweet flavour.
The 33% ABV tipple has been made with natural ingredients, the brand said, with essential oils extracted from the peels of oranges and mandarins grown in a select region of Sicily, renowned for its aromatic fruit.
Thatchers brings Blood Orange variant to low & no market
Cidermaker Thatchers has launched its Blood Orange variant to the on-trade as a 0.0% ABV product.
The family business located at Myrtle Farm, Sandford, Somerset, said consumer demand for alcohol-free options continues to rise.
Although there is no draught option available, Blood Orange 0.0% ABV is available to the on-trade in 500ml bottles. Read more here.
Fuller’s launches Pride Lager
Ashai-owned brewer, Fuller’s, has announced the launch of Fuller’s Pride Lager
Fuller’s Pride Lager (4.5% abv) has been made with 100% British ingredients, marking the next phase of evolution for the brand with a lighter and brighter brew with broad appeal.
In a bit to build on the brand’s heritage partnership with British Rugby, premiership champion and TV personality Joe Marler has teamed up with Fuller’s as brand ambassador for London Pride Ale and to celebrate the new release of Fuller’s Pride Lager.
Harvey’s & Beak collaborative brew
Harvey’s and Beak Brewery have joined forces to launch Spring, a limited edition 4.5% golden ale, available in cask format at select pubs from Monday 18 May.
Brewed at Beak Brewery in Lewes, Spring brings together elements from both breweries’ traditions and house styles.
The result is a classic golden ale with a juicy, flavoursome edge. Brewed with a blend of Harvey’s and Beak yeast, it opens with fresh grapefruit and bright citrus notes before soft tropical character builds from a generous dry hop of New Zealand Cascade hops.
UK Harlequin and Cascade hops provide a clean, zesty bitterness, while heritage Plumage Archer malt from Warminster lends a light bready sweetness and smooth, rounded body.
Slightly hazy and highly drinkable, Spring aims to bridge traditional Sussex brewing with contemporary hop forward character.
The beer’s pump clip also reflects the collaboration between the two breweries, featuring illustrations of Miles Jenner alongside Beak’s distinctive “Beak Man” character.
Greene King expands seasonal cask offer
Suffolk-based Greene King Brewery has developed a seasonal line-up of cask beers for summer.
The brewer said the latest line-up focuses on flavour-forward, sessionable beers “aimed at driving choice and flexibility at the bar throughout the warmer months”.
Returning for May and June is Hopping Special, a 4.2% ABV amber ale brewed with five malts and late and dry hopping.
Meanwhile, running from May through to the end of August, Greene King Brewery will also offer a 4% ABV summer golden ale with independent pubs having the option of using three different pump clips for the beer. Read more here.
Curry Smugglers bring Desi snacks to pubs
Founded by first generation British Asian couple, Steve & Rosie, Curry Smugglers are a spicy Desi-style bar snack.
Inspired by South Asian street food culture, each small batch of handmade savoury snacks is made in Kent from locally sourced ingredients and aromatic spices.
The vegan snacks are available in 100% recyclable 330ml beer cans at RRP £3.30 per serve.
Flavours currently available include Bombay Mix, a crunchy mix of lentils and chickpeas, Pakora, made from seasoned split peas, and Chakli - made with rice flour, urad dal and five spices.
Nirvana unveils new fruit beer
Dedicated alcohol-free brewer, Nirvana, has unveiled its latest innovation, Hazy Grapefruit Lager (0.3% ABV).
Described as bright, citrusy and crisp, Hazy Grapefruit features a natural pink grapefruit lemonade blended with Nirvana’s Pils, resulting in a zesty, refreshing beer with a subtle pink hue, best served over ice. Read more here.
Patterdale Lager gains momentum
A new independent family-run beer brand, Patterdale Lager, has gained traction across South East London and Kent, securing listings in a growing number of local pubs follow its launch in January 2026.
Since then, Patterdale Lager has established a presence in several venues, including:
- Boyles Bar, Sidcup
- Sidcup Conservative Club
- Berry & Barrel, Eltham
- The Abbey Arms, Abbey Wood
- The Robin Hood, Bexleyheath
- Punjab FC, Gravesend
Additional listings have been confirmed, with more venues expected to begin pouring in the coming weeks.
Early performance has been strong, with each pub averaging approximately one 50-litre keg per week.
“We wanted to create more than just a lager,” said a spokesperson for Patterdale Lager. “This is about celebrating the heart of the British pub, bringing people together, supporting local venues, and staying connected to causes we care about.”
Lyme Bay Winery strengthens English wine portfolio
Devon-based Lyme Bay Winery has announced the release of its latest wine collection, comprising three new variants.
Shoreline Rosé 2025 (11.5% ABV) is pale salmon pink in colour, lifted by aromas of red berries and white flowers. Fragrant on the palate, it boasts summer berry and floral notes in a light, crisp and easy-drinking style, with a fresh, lingering finish.
Meanwhile, the new Sauvignon Blanc 2025 (14% ABV), clear pale lemon in colour, is a crisp, citrus and vibrant serve boasting aromas of elderflower with notes of white currant and gooseberry on the palate.
Produced with 100% Bacchus grapes, hand-picked from a single vineyard in Essex, Bacchus Block (11.5% ABV) has expressive aromas of gooseberry, pineapple and fresh lime, with tropical layers and blackcurrant leaf notes.
Modelo Especial available in draught format
Modelo Especial has been launched in the on-trade in draught format through Budweiser Brewing Group (BBG).
Described as a golden, refreshing lager, Modelo Especial has been brewed for more than 100 years with carefully selected premium Mexican ingredients.
It delivers a distinct, yet accessible high-quality taste that continues to honour Mexico’s rich heritage.
Modelo Especial is available in the on-trade nationwide and will be listed across a range of outlets.
Shepheard Neame’s new crisp flavour
Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, has teamed up with fellow independent business Kent Crisps to launch new Beef Brisket & Stout Flavour crisps.
The hand-cooked crisp pairs the rich, savoury flavours of beef brisket with the roasted malt character of Shepherd Neame’s Iron Wharf Stout.
Beef Brisket & Stout crisps, the eight flavour to be released in the Kent Crisps range, are available now in selected Shepherd Neame pubs.
Aviation Gin introduces new flavour
American gin brand, Aviation Gin, has introduced its flavour innovation, Cranberry & Blood Orange Gin.
Described as a bold, citrus-forward gin that works well in cocktails, the new serve will be available as a permanent new addition to the portfolio, which is co-owned by Hollywood actor Ryan Reynolds.
Suggested serves:
Bloody Good Mimosa
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin
- 1 oz orange juice
- Chilled sparkling wine, to top
Method:
- Add gin and orange juice to a champagne flute
- Top with chilled sparkling wine
- Garnish with an orange triangle and half strawberry
Blimey Fizz
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin
- 0.75 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- Chilled club soda, to top
Method:
- Add gin, simple syrup, and lime juice to a shaker with ice
- Shake and strain into a highball or wine glass filled with ice
- Top with club soda. Garnish with lime wheel
Crimson Cosmo
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Aviation Cranberry & Blood Orange Flavored Gin
- 0.25 oz triple sec
- 0.25 oz fresh lime juice
- 0.75 oz cranberry juice
Method:
- Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice
- Shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass
- Garnish with orange twist, top of form, bottom of form
Salty Dog expands snack range
Snack brand Salty Dog has Chilli Rice Crackers to its range.
Described as having a bold flavour, the savoury snack is available now direct from the brand for £1.69 per 40g packet.
Firebrand Brewing launches Rising Tide Pilsner
Cornwall-based Firebrand Brewing Co has launched Rising Tide Pilsner, a 4.8% ABV lager that is claimed to meet growing consumer demand for premium, independent pilsner-style beers.
The new release is a permanent addition to Firebrand’s core range.
Brewed in Launceston, north Cornwall, Rising Tide is brewed with Spalt Select hops and is said to deliver subtle floral notes, a slightly sweet malt body and a clean, crisp finish designed for broad appeal and drinkability.
Firebrand Brewing Co co-owner and head brewer Joe Thompson said: “Premium, yet approachable, lager-style beers continue to be one of the biggest opportunities in the market, but drinkers are also looking for provenance, quality and independent brands with a genuine story behind them.
“We brew beers that we love to drink, and Rising Tide is our Cornish interpretation of a Mediterranean Pilsner and a great tasting addition to our core line up of beers”.
HAX Zero alcohol-free wine
Chilean wine producer Morandé Wine Group is launching HAX Zero – its first alcohol-free wine.
The Cabernet Sauvignon-style red blend contains less than 0.5% ABV.
HAX head winemaker Sergio Bravo said: “The challenge was to create an alcohol-free wine that still delivers the structure, varietal character, intensity and aromatic profile expected of a quality red blend.
“Maintaining these attributes after de-alcoholisation comes down to the way we carefully rebuild the wine afterwards. In particular, the use of specific concentrated grape must allows us to retain colour, fruit expression and balance while remaining true to the wine’s original style.”
The wine has been developed using an advanced de-alcoholisation process that preserves the wine’s core aromatic and structural profile and the result is claimed to a “balanced, medium-bodied red blend with expressive notes of ripe red and black fruits, including blackberry, raspberry and plum, complemented by subtle spice and gentle wood nuances”.
HAX Zero is also said to pair well with lamb, red meats, game birds and cheeses.
LionHeart cask ale
Arriving on the bar last month (April), LionHeart is a 4% ABV ale, made with traditional English ingredients and has been backed by a £2m investment that aims to revitalise the cask category.
The brew is a collaboration between brand owner Brookfield Drinks and Norfolk brewer Woodforde’s.
It has been brewed to a 12th century-style recipe, using open fermenters and made with Sweet Gale, also known as Bog Myrtle, which was traditionally used as a bittering plant by English brewers for centuries before hops were grown commercially.
The marketing of LionHeart includes a striking font with the red and white colours of King Richard the Lionheart alongside PoS support such as drip mays, bar runers and posters.
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