Our regular round-up of industry news, for June 19 to 23, 2014
New chairman and finance director for Drake & Morgan
Bar operator Drake & Morgan has announced the appointment of a new non-executive chairman, Tony Campbell (pictured), former chairman of leading pub group Spirit. It has also appointed new financial director James Sherrington, formerly finance director for Caprice Holdings and Birley Group and previously at Novus Leisure.
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Tanqueray launches Old Tom gin in on-trade
Diageo has announced the launch of Tanqueray Old Tom, a new limited-edition based on an original recipe from the brand’s founder. At 47.3% ABV, only 100,000 individually numbered bottles will be available worldwide. It will launch into only selected on-trade venues in the UK.
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Jim Beam brings rye whiskey to UK
Growing demand for American whiskeys and its spicier rye styles has led to the introduction of Jim Beam Rye in the UK by distributor Maxxium UK. Bottled at 40% ABV, Jim Beam Rye uses a mash bill of 51% rye and is aged for four years in charred oak barrels, making it a complex straight rye whiskey that is spicy, bold and full of flavour.
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Disaronno Sour promoted by rooftop parties
Rooftop parties are to be held in London, Manchester and Scotland as part of a campaign to grow awareness of the Disaronno Sour. Alongside live music, the Disaronno Terrace parties will feature tasting sessions and free cocktail master classes from leading bartenders, showing consumers how to make Disaronno’s signature serve as well as their own twists.
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Estrella Galicia adds alcohol-free keg
Spanish premium lager brewer Estrella Galicia is to launch an alcohol-free draught keg in the on-trade – believed to be a first for the UK. Estrella Galicia 0.0% will be available on draught as well as in 250ml bottles in both the on- and off-trade, supported by initiatives such as summer-themed point-of-sale materials.
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Visionary cocktails for Hayman’s and Bitter Truth
A cocktail competition paying homage to the classics is under way for Hayman’s Gin and The Bitter Truth range of bitters and liqueurs. The Vintage to Visionary competition, organised by drinks company Love Drinks, is calling on bartenders to create two drinks for a chance to win the top prize of £1,000.
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Luminar rewards nightclubs’ top staff
Staff from nightclubs across the UK have been recognised for their achievements in the annual awards run by operator The Luminar Group. Russell Quelch from Oceana in Southampton won the title of general manager of the year while Simon Wilson of Club Batchwood in St Albans, Hertfordshire, was named deputy manager of the year.
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Female bartenders ready for Speed Rack
Some of the UK’s top female bartenders are set to compete today in the national Speed Rack bartending competition that will help to raise money to fight breast cancer. Based on the successful competition created in the US, Speed Rack is returning for a second year, taking place at a ticketed event in London, supported by leading drinks brands.
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Pizza Pilgrims to open second Soho site
A second site is to be opened in Soho, London, for Pizza Pilgrims Pizzeria & Frigittoria by founders Thom and James Elliot. After the success of their first permanent site in Dean Street, they are due to open another in Kingly Court, off Carnaby Street, in late July. The company has just produced its first limoncello, SohoCello, in collaboration with Chase Distillery in Herefordshire.
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