News
The Sideways effect: Brits break up with Merlot
British consumers have fallen out of love with Merlot as a single-varietal wine, new research shows, but which other grapes are winning market share in the on-trade?
Pints over a tenner in Ireland’s pubs could become the norm
News of a Dublin pub charging over a tenner for pints has sparked fear that more of Ireland’s pubs will raise their prices.
MP calls for Crooked House to be rebuilt
Six months after the “UK’s wonkiest pub” was set on fire and then demolished, Gavin Williamson has called for the Crooked House site to be made an Asset of Community Value.
Cider to benefit from ‘all seasons’ push
Herefordshire-based Little Pomona has launched an initiative to reposition cider as a drink that is suitable for any time of year.
Wine List Confidential: Veraz at The Barcelona EDITION
Douglas Blyde heads to The Barcelona EDITION hotel to give Veraz a visit. Instead of finding a culinary homage to Catalonia, he discovers a series of “challenging” dishes that put him in mind of the works of Picasso.
Planning permission denied for Russell Brand pub conversion
Comedian Russell Brand’s planning application to convert an historic Oxfordshire pub into a podcast recording studio has been rejected.
The Drinks Trust calls on the trade for its annual industry survey
The Drinks Trust has launched its fourth annual industry survey aimed at better understanding the drinks and hospitality industry.
Wine List Confidential: Pollini at Ladbroke Hall
Douglas Blyde finds a “chic setting and elegant crowd” at newly-opened Italian eatery Pollini, located in Notting Hill arts centre Ladbroke Hall – but is there substance behind the style?
Twickenham trials no-alcohol zones
Twickenham Stadium is trialling alcohol-free zones during the Six Nations in a bid to tackle excessive drinking, though some rugby fans have already described the policy as a “disaster”.
L’Enclume sommelier wins Michelin prize
Last week, Valentin Mouillard received the Michelin Sommelier Award. He chats to WLC about whether good service matters more than a good wine list, and what it’s really like to work with Simon Rogan.