While we might think of Christmas as a time of peace and goodwill toward men, John Bittles of Bittles Bar in Belfast does not extend that to those ordering soft drinks, arguing that his pub is for “serious drinkers” only.

Tragedy nearly struck on Friday night after the Christmas decorations at a Mayfair restaurant caught fire, resulting in the emergency evacuation of around 300 diners.

Londoners worried about having to resign themselves to Hootenanny once again for New Year’s Eve shouldn’t fear: there are plenty of restaurants in the capital hosting parties and dinners to help you see off 2022 in style.

Airline British Airways hopes to upgrade passengers’ in-flight experience after appointing its first full-time Master of Wine.

Douglas Blyde visits Luca and discovers how the Clerkenwell restaurant fuses British ingredients with the traditions of Italian cuisine. He also meets Naples-born head sommelier Enzo Russomanno and discusses how the wine list “can really dig into lesser-known regions”. Taken from this year’s Wine List Confidential guide, available to buy now.

UK non-profit The Drinks Trust has teamed up with bar group Vagabond Wines to launch Hospitality Covered, a wellbeing day for the hospitality industry, in light of the pressures of the last few years.

On-trade drinks sales in the week to 10 December were up 15% on figures from 2021, but trading has dipped below the marker of 2019, the last Christmas without Covid-19 issues.

Pubs, clubs and bars are expected to be permitted to stay open later than usual to celebrate the coronation of King Charles on 6 May 2023.

Douglas Blyde visits The Fordwich Arms in Kent and discovers how head sommelier Elliott Ashton-Konig caught the “wine bug”, and discovers the Michelin-starred pub’s unconventional take on an Old Fashioned, combining Hereford beef fat-infused Bourbon with salted maple syrup. Taken from the 2022 Wine List Confidential guide, available to buy now.

Japanese companies are using biodiesel fuel made from discarded lard from cooking ramen noodles and tempura to power their vehicles.

Barletta, a popular restaurant in Margate, was forced to permanently shut its doors on Friday night after it lost £50,000 to a push payment scam.

Google has released its Year in Search compendium for 2022, including data that shows the ten highest-trending cocktails for 2022. Seasonal favourites dominate the list, and there’s a new cocktail in the number one spot.