|
Bar magazine’s round-up of this week’s industry news
 |
Food pushes up sales at Greene King
Demand for food helped to improve sales at pub and bar operator Greene King in the 17 weeks to August 30, the company reported this week. The brewer reported that like-for-like sales at its managed pubs in England grew by 4.6 per cent, with outlets with a good food offering performing best. The company's Belhaven managed pubs and bars in Scotland (which include Pivo Caffe in Edinburgh, pictured) saw like-for-like sales growth of 10.9%. |
Coffee and pubs grow at Whitbread
Whitbread this week reported that like-for-like sales in its pub-restaurants, such as Beefeater and Brewer’s Fayre, were up by 2.1 per cent in the six months to August 13. Its Costa coffee business enjoyed like-for-like sales growth of 2.7 per cent and a total rise in turnover of 18.4 per cent. However, Premier Inn and Whitbread Hotel and Restaurants both saw like-for-like sales slip. The group’s total sales were up 2.4 per cent in the period.
Doctors call for alcohol ad ban
The British Medical Association has called for a reduction in licensing hours and a ban on all alcohol advertising, including sports and music sponsorship, on top of an end to cut-price drinks deals. In a report out this week, it also highlighted merchandising, competitions and loyalty schemes as influential forms of marketing that needed to be tackled. Read more >>
Clubbers binge on off-trade alcohol
Most clubbers “front load” on cheap supermarket alcohol before they leave home for a night out, according to a survey by Glasgow Caledonian University featured in The Sunday Times. The research, published in the current issue of the Journal of Substance Use, casts doubt on whether the government’s ban on happy hours in pubs and clubs will cut heavy drinking. Read more >>
Wiltshire bartender wins competition
Bartender Knud Scheibelt of Bowood Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Calne, Wiltshire, won the UK heat of the Grand Marnier Trophy competition at London’s Buddha Bar with his original creation, the Grand and Slick. The judges, which included Bar magazine editor Mark Ludmon, were chaired by UK Bartenders Guild president Daniel Crebesse. Scheibelt will compete with bartenders from 26 other European countries in the final in Paris next year. His winning recipe will be in the October issue of Bar magazine.
Curb on supply of champagne
The drop in champagne sales globally has prompted the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne to regulate the supply of grapes and reduce stock in the region. The total yield for this year’s champagne harvest was 14,000 kg/hectare, of which 9,700kg/hectare will be used to make champagne for next spring and the rest will be put in reserve to avoid over-supply. It follows a 45 per cent slump in world champagne sales in the first six months of this year.
Hotel du Vin co-founder represents UK
Gerard Basset, the co-founder of Hotel du Vin, is to represent the UK in the World’s Best Sommelier Competition in Chile next April, organised by the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale. He won the place after competing against two London-based sommeliers, Nicolas Clerc of Pont de la Tour and Matthieu Longuere of La Trompette.
Leeds bartender named UK’s best
Chris Milner from Browns Bar and Brasserie in Leeds has won the title of Pilsner Urquell UK Master Bartender of the Year after beating nine other bartenders in the final. He will compete against 17 other bartenders from around the world in the Czech Republic and Berlin.
S&N axes draught Bulmers Pear
Scottish & Newcastle has announced that it is to withdraw the draught version of Bulmers Pear less than a year after it was launched into the UK on-trade. Darryl Hinksman, head of on-trade consumer marketing for S&N, said S&N UK believed packaged pear cider offered more opportunity for growth.
Madonna’s ex faces licence review
Guy Ritchie’s pub, the Punchbowl in London’s Mayfair, may be forced to close after Westminster City Council was called in to investigate noise complaints, The London Paper reported. Read more >>
Mark Ludmon
Editor
http://twitter.com/barmagazine
LAST FEW PLACES...
Dont miss out on the FREE Bar magazine breakfast seminar!
As part of our committment to offer inspiration to the industry Bar magazine have brought together a group of industry pros to help you find out a bit more about emedia, and how you might harness this exciting new marketing tool...
"Harnessing Social Digital Media"
September 16th, 10.30am
Boutique Bar Show
book a FREE place >
EVENTS COMING UP...
"Plasa/09"
September 13 - 16th -
The place to see the technology behind the world's most original shows, venues, events and installations.
f
ind out more >
"The Boutique Bar Show"
September 15 - 16th -
Showcasing some of the most exciting brands in the UK on-trade.
find out more >
To enquire about subscriptions to Bar Magazine CLICK HERE >>
If you would like more information on any products/services seen
in this months issue of Bar Magazine CLICK HERE >>
|
