Pub operators left hungry after World Cup cuts demand for food July 24, 2014 The World Cup put the boot into pub food sales over May and June as consumers, rather than eating out at their local Mitchells & Butler’s or Marston’s pubs, stayed at home to watch the action in Brazil. Harvester and All Bar One owner M&B posted disappointing third quarter results yesterday due to the World [...]
Prosecco vs champagne: Brits now spend more on Italian sparkling wine than French bubbly April 13, 2015 For the first time ever, Britain's wine drinkers are spending more on prosecco than they are on champagne. Historically seen as a second best to champagne, the rise and rise of the Italian sparkling wine has seen it overtake its French counterpart with sales of £181.8m in 2014 compared to £141.3m bottles of champers. The [...]
Working lunch in Fitzrovia: Pied-a-Terre still serves the best meal in town June 2, 2015 Our guide to the best places to eat during office hours. WHAT? A Fitzrovia fixture since 1991, Michelin-starred Pied-a-Terre specialises in classic French cooking with the obligatory modern twist. It’s quiet but fun, a nostalgic throwback to a pre-street food, pre-pop up culinary scene, when great dining still meant baskets of artisan bread and linen [...]
UK beer sales rise for the first time in 10 years January 30, 2015 A decade-long decline for beer sales in the UK has finally come to an end, with boozy Brits taking advantage of tax cuts bought in over the last two years. The British Beer and Pub Association's (BBPA) 'Beer Barometer' showed beer sales jumped 1.3 per cent last year. And chancellor George Osborne – who announced [...]
Pub giant Greene King lifts a glass to record profits July 3, 2014 Pub and brewing giant Greene King yesterday reported record annual sales and profit. The company said its revenues were up 6.9 per cent to £1.3bn and its pre-tax profit was up 7.4 per cent to £158.2m. The group added 48 new sites during the year as part of a five-year plan to increase its estate [...]
Eurovision Song Contest 2015: Where to watch it in London May 23, 2015 Tonight is the 60th Eurovision Song Contest, and once again we're in for an evening of cheesy music and crazy outfits as the 27 finalists battle it out for the prize. If you don't have a TV at home, or if you just feel like getting out and being part of the Eurovision atmosphere, [...]
SAB Miller says profits flat on strong dollar May 13, 2015 The figures One of the world's largest brewers, SAB Miller, said full-year revenue rose six per cent to £233.bn in the year to the end of March, minus the effects of adverse exchange rate movements. However on a reported basis, it fell by two per cent. Meanwhile, pre-tax profit was flat at $4.83bn, compared with $4.823bn a year earlier. [...]
Something for the weekend April 9, 2015 EAT! THE DUCK AND RICE As you might have guessed from the name, Wagamama founder Alan Yau’s latest venture combines two British favourites: Chinese food and a traditional pub. Head down to Soho for a pint and some prawn crackers. 90 Berwick Street, visit theduckandrice.com SIP! WHISKY WEEKENDER Do you like whisky? Of course you [...]
Kentucky is more than just fried chicken: Hit the bourbon trail for a spirited, unbridled discovery August 14, 2015 All bourbons are whiskies, but not all whiskies are bourbons. This is the first commandment drilled into visitors at the distilleries that pepper the state of Kentucky, USA. Now, I’m a walking Wikipedia entry, espousing facts about bourbon to anyone who will listen; for instance, did you know that bourbon has to be made [...]
Budget 2015: Who were the winners and losers? March 18, 2015 Winners Pubs and drinkersThe Budget will be a boon for the country's pubs, bars and restaurants, as well the drinkers who frequent them. Beer duty was cut buy one penny per pint while duty on both cider and whisky received a two per cent cut. Meanwhile, the tax on wine and tobacco will also be [...]