David McDowall’s Post

Help us to keep much loved pubs, bars and venues as the heartbeat of High Streets and communities!   As we eagerly anticipate the official start of the EUROs tournament today, which will bring a much welcome boost to our industry, we mustn’t lose sight of the continued pressures the hospitality industry, and Great British Pub, faces. Our sector is among the highest taxed sectors in the economy and Pubs pay up to four times more in business rates – the current 75% relief in England is a short-term lifeline and without an urgent and radical reform to business rates, many more pubs will be at risk of closure.   With the support of the British Pub and Beer Association, Stonegate Group have joined forces with over 80 industry leaders in a pledge to leading political parties for fair recognition of the value our industry adds to the economy and the support we desperately need to continue to do what we do best - invest in our fantastic pubs, bars and venues, invest in our teams, Publicans and Operators, improve and innovate to meet changing consumer taste and demands, and provide the community hubs that are the crucial and often invisible glue that bring people together.   We ask that you share this open letter, signed by over 80 leading pub and brewing companies, with your local Member of Parliament and help have a voice in allowing our sector to thrive again.  https://lnkd.in/eJJcutnt

Guinness Rationing in London Pubs: Maximising Every Drop The iconic pint of Guinness has become a precious commodity in many London pubs as rationing takes hold. Limited supplies mean pubs must carefully manage their stock to meet customer demand without sacrificing quality. In these times, maintaining a well-kept cellar and mastering the perfect pour are more important than ever. A well-maintained cellar ensures the beer is stored at the ideal temperature, typically between 10–12°C, preserving its rich flavour and creamy texture. Regularly cleaning lines and ensuring kegs are rotated properly prevents waste and keeps every pint as fresh as the last. When it comes to serving, the perfect Guinness pour is key. Tilt the glass at 45°, fill it three-quarters full, and let it settle before topping up with precision to create the iconic velvety head. This method not only enhances the drinking experience but ensures minimal wastage with each pour. By focusing on proper cellar management and pouring techniques, pubs can make the most of every barrel, keeping customers satisfied even in challenging times. A well-poured pint of Guinness remains a symbol of quality - and a reason to keep coming back. https://lnkd.in/eDDVPiRd The Morning Advertiser

Politicians Urged To Guarantee A Full Measure On 200th Anniversary Of The Great British Pint Pubgoers’ group CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) is calling on political parties to give their backing to a change in the law to guarantee drinkers a right to a full pint. Monday 17th June marks 200th anniversary of the passing of the Weights & Measures Act 1824 which defined a pint in law in British and Irish law for the first time. Consumer group CAMRA, which has around 150,000 members across the UK, is marking the occasion by calling on all political parties to commit to changing the law in the next Parliament to guarantee that punters get a full pint when they order one – meaning the head on a pint or half pint of beer wouldn’t be included in the total volume. Recent studies by the Chartered Institute of Trading Standards found that 86% of beer was short measured, and current laws leave consumers no recourse if they’re refused a top up. Commenting, CAMRA National Director Gillian Hough said: “The pint of beer or cider is part of our culture and heritage across these islands and it is right that we mark the 200th anniversary of the pint being defined in law in Britain and Ireland for the first time by raising a glass to our great local pubs, social clubs, breweries and cider producers. “But with too many consumers receiving short measures at the bar, CAMRA wants the next UK Government to introduce a legal right for pubgoers to receive a 100 per cent liquid pint each and every time they are served. “This would give drinkers a guarantee of getting what they pay for when they are supporting local pubs and breweries and would be a fitting way to mark the 200th anniversary of the great British and Irish pint.” Read More:

Title: Exploring the Soul of Desi Pubs: A Conversation with David Jesudason In a chat with Malvika Patel, Editor and VP of Beverage Trade Network, David Jesudason, 2023 Beer Writer of the Year, dives into the unique world of British-Indian pubs in his book Desi Pubs. Exploring how these spaces evolved from exclusion to vibrant community hubs, Jesudason sheds light on the fusion of immigrant culture and British pub traditions. His insights challenge norms and bring inclusivity to the forefront of beer culture. Topics covered: UK beer market, craft beer, inclusive pub culture, multicultural pubs, beer innovation, London Beer Competition, non-alcoholic beer, beer industry trends 📸: The British Guild of Beer Writers Link to article published on London Competitions: https://lnkd.in/dYgJ6KND About London Beer Competition The London Beer Competition looks to recognize, reward, and help promote beer brands that have successfully been created to identify with and target a specific beer drinker. For any beer brand to earn its place on a retailer’s shelf or a restaurant’s beer list—and then vitally stay there—it needs to be marketable and consumer-driven and not just produced in the general hope it can find enough people willing to sell and buy it. The London Beer Competition is brought to you by Beverage Trade Network #DesiPubs #BeerCulture #InclusivePubs #MulticulturalPubs #BeerInnovation Sid Patel

With 86% of pubs in the United Kingdom serving no-and lower-alcohol beer options, pubs are now more inclusive than ever before, according to new data from WBA member British Beer & Pub Association.    “Whether someone is choosing moderation, keeping pace with many Christmas festivities, or just doesn’t drink alcohol, these sales show brewers and pubs are catering to all,” says BBPA CEO Emma McClarkin OBE.   Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e9W7j6ZM

Consumers are stepping up their game when it comes to beer, moving away from lower-cost lagers to embrace premium, higher-quality options. This trend is a golden chance for pubs to position themselves as destinations for fewer, but more elevated, drinking occasions. Offering a curated range of premium beers and stouts can meet this demand and drive growth. During our Lumina Intelligence pubs and bars webinar, Insight Lead Katie Gallagher highlighted THE DEVONSHIRE PUB COMPANY LIMITED, winner of the MCA's New Opening of the Year award in 2023 and home to the best Guinness in London. The pub's cutting-edge Guinness installation mirrors the perfection seen in Ireland, from nitrogen-to-CO2 levels to the perfect cooler temperatures. Their commitment to quality is proof that premium offerings can set your venue apart. #pubsandbars #pubs #guinness #beer #stout #lager #alcohol #low2no #marketinsight #marketresearch

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Cocktails on tap aren't new... But could this be the summer they become a must-have for bars and pubs? Seeing great drinks and beloved brands served on tap is more than just a trend—it’s a show of support for our industry. It also highlights the versatility of cocktails, alternative beverages and spirits, offering a refreshing option beyond another beer. The benefits are clear: Convenience for the operator Quick service Consistent quality Perfect serve opportunity When you combine that with the fact that 74% of customers think hospitality venues produce a worrying amount of waste from disposable items (YouGov Research), it’s a no brainer. These Days Drinks Lonkero The Liberation Group Cirrus Inns RedCat Pub Company Urban Pubs and Bars Mitchells & Butlers PLC Stonegate Group Blackrose Pubs Marston's PLC

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📢 Exciting Partnership Announcement! 🍻 Vianet Group PLC is partnering with a global brewing leader to roll out our Beverage Metrics draught beer monitoring solution across the UK. In collaboration with Oxford Partnership, this technology will deliver actionable insights into draught brand performance, helping the Brewer optimise operations and navigate market challenges. Key highlights: ✅ Phased rollout starting this quarter ✅ UK footprint expanding by ~5% in 18 months ✅ Strengthening our presence in the hospitality sector As our CEO, James Dickson, stated: "This agreement validates our innovative solutions and partnership-driven approach, creating opportunities for growth and delivering real value to our customers." #Innovation #Partnerships #DataSolutions #BeverageMetrics #Growth