Top

Bars and pubs

Imbibe Live 2015: drinks trends from this year’s show Imbibe Live 2015 the annual show for buyers, suppliers, bartenders, managers and sommeliers in the licensed on-trade, took place this week. Running over two days, the show included keynote speakers, master classes and training sessions. Almost 200 exhibitors were on-hand offering delegates the chance to sample beers, wines, cocktails, spirits and mixers from around the globe. Here are some of the key trends that we picked up from Imbibe...

The pub sector is back in the news after MPs passed an amendment which impacts on pub companies who operate tenanted pubs. The move is being seen as the end of the beer tie and of excessive control over landlords. So what is the beer tie and why is it news? The ‘tie’ system refers to the structure of businesses where pub companies buy a pub and then lease it to a tenant landlord who pays rent...

When we talk about pubs and social media we get that oft-repeated line that pubs are the ‘real’ social media, that people need to get back into the real world, to socialise with their mates rather than virtual friends. The reality is, of course, that we use social channels to enhance physical interactions. The pub sector is an important part of the economy and its contribution to tax revenues is equally vital.  Yet the pub sector remains...

Online beer retailer AleByMail.co.uk recently launched social media beer tastings on Twitter. It’s is not a new concept, beer bloggers have been hosting social media events like this for a number of years, and they’re growing in popularity. But this is not music to the ears of traditionalists in the pub trade. Some publican’s have expressed concern that social media events could damage their trade. Is it time they woke to the fact that these are...