Scottish craftmanship inspires new blended malt
Spencerfield Spirit Company is launching a new whisky inspired by traditional Scottish craftmanship: an intricate blended malt called The Feathery. Available from this month, the deep golden brown spirit has been entirely matured in sherry wood and has been bottled at 40% ABV. The initial impression on nosing and tasting are dry, nutty sherry notes, …
Industry news round-up: February 3, 2014
Our weekly round-up of industry news, for January 27 to February 3, 2014 NWTC steps up roll-out plans The New World Trading Company (NWTC), sister company to bar operator Living Ventures, has today announced plans to accelerate roll-out. It intends to open five new sites in the current year, including locations in London, Birmingham and …
PM orders rethink on extended hours for World Cup
The Prime Minister has ordered a rethink over a government decision not to allow pubs and bars to trade late for FIFA World Cup matches this summer. David Cameron acted after the Home Office turned down an application by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) for a national extension of hours for late-night broadcasts …
Californian microbrewer brings craft ales to UK
North Coast, one of California’s most celebrated microbreweries, is introducing a selection of its beers into the UK for the first time, including the classic Acme brand. The 10-strong range will be headed by Old Rasputin Imperial Stout alongside Acme’s California Pale Ale and California IPA and Belgian-style beers Brother Thelonious, Le Merle and PranQster. …
Blackwoods revamps vodka with botanical infusion
The team behind Blackwoods vintage gin have released a new version of its vodka that is infused with some of the same Shetland botanicals as its gins. Blackwoods Botanical Vodka is created using a “bonification” process after distillation which involves infusing the vodka with botanicals to add complexity and create a smooth and rounded taste. …
London Fashion Week inspires St James’s bar
A range of cocktails has been introduced at the bar at Dukes St James London to tie in with this month’s London Fashion Week. The limited-edition champagne cocktails, available throughout February, are inspired by fashion icons including Kate Moss, Cara Delevingne, Karl Lagerfeld and Coco Chanel. PJ Lounge bar at the St James’s hotel is …
Diageo appoints UK brand ambassador for Tanqueray
Diageo has announced the appointment of former bartender Tim Homewood as new UK brand ambassador for Tanqueray and Tanqueray No Ten gins. Tim, who has been involved in the bar industry since the age of 16, has worked for some of the best bars in London including The Hospital Club in Covent Garden, the Arts …
£1,000 prize in Coco Lopez and El Dorado challenge
A prize of £1,000 in cash is on offer in this year’s competition run for Coco Lopez cream of coconut and El Dorado rum. Entrants need to submit a twist on a Piña Colada and an original cocktail, both using Coco Lopez and El Dorado and blended ingredients. The Coco Lopez & El Dorado Cocktail …
New World seeks new sites in accelerated roll-out
The New World Trading Company (NWTC), the sister company to bar operator Living Ventures, has today announced plans to accelerate roll-out after securing a new bank facility. It is planning to open five new sites in the current year, including locations in London, Birmingham and Glasgow and two in Manchester. The expansion will more than …
New bar deal in “vibrant” London market
EHM Bars-Clubs-Restaurants is continuing to expand with the acquisition of a popular bar in the City of London. It has taken on the lease of The Spectator in Little Britain, off an asking price of £150,000, through leisure property specialist DCL. It is a 25-year free-of-tie lease with 16 years unexpired. The deal follows EHM …
