NEWS

The BII has welcomed the news of a possible rethink on the business rates increases, placed on its already overburdened members, running independent pubs in communities across the UK. With the detail of the u-turn yet to be decided, the scale of the potential positive impact remains to be seen, with pubs already struggling with huge challenges around increased overheads, unfair taxation and the direct impact of the 2024 budget as well as ongoing Covid debts. Steve Alton, BII

Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame  is to reopen landmark Farringdon pub The Hoop and Grapes  in February following a £1.8m transformation.   The historic Grade II-listed site, a few minutes’ walk from Fleet Street, has been closed since 2019 during redevelopment of the surrounding area. Shepherd Neame began a comprehensive restoration in October, carefully designed to enhance the pub’s appeal while celebrating its rich heritage.   Housed within a five-s

The Mayor of the East Midlands has welcomed the Government taking another look at business rates for the pub industry. Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:   "I am pleased to see the Government is looking again at the business rates for the pub industry, many of which are facing rate increases in the tens of thousands of pounds. This must be done quickly to give the industry reassurance and certainty that they can continue to operate.  "Pubs are not just a place for

Responding to press reports that the Treasury is planning to announce changes to Business Rates for pubs, Andy Slee, CEO of the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) said:   “It’s welcome news that the Government appears to have finally accepted that vital changes are necessary to help our much loved community pubs. The planned alterations to Business Rates would have had a devasting impact on our pubs and breweries.   “While common sense seems to have prevaile

Emma McClarkin CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said : “News that the government is going to look again at business rates increases is potentially a huge win for pubs across the country and shows Government have not only listened to our concerns but acted. This could save locals, jobs, and means publicans can breathe a huge sigh of relief. The BBPA has worked closely with ministers on a pub specific solution that would ensure that bills are reduced in line with th

Responding to reports that the Government is set to change course and provide extra support with business rates bills for pubs in England, Ash Corbett-Collins, CAMRA Chairman said:     “Doing nothing and letting pubs go to the wall was never going to tolerated by pub goers, publicans or MPs. The Government must urgently end the uncertainly and announce the extra help and permanently lower bills our locals were promised and need to survive and thrive.”    ENDS About CAMRA: CAM

Belhaven has revealed it invested almost £5 million across over 20 pubs in 2025 This follows the launch of its Hive and Nest franchises, which were started by owner Greene King in England in 2021, and have now launched in its Scottish estate However, it has warned that pubs and breweries will see further steep cost rises in 2026 without an intervention by the Scottish Government on business rates in the January Budget Belhaven has confirmed it invested almost £5 million in it

Beer drinkers can now quickly spot which breweries are independent and which pubs serve indie beer, thanks to the addition of SIBA’s  INDIE BEER  mark across  the CAMRA website .   The INDIE BEER campaign, launched by the Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA), is designed to help drinkers know who really brews their beer. Research commissioned by SIBA found that three-quarters of people feel the marketing of previously independent brands that are now in the own

Pub is The Hub may be able to offer grants of up to £6,000 to publicans in rural, remote, or deprived areas, who want to offer additional services and/or activities in their pubs to help local communities.     These can include a range of services from community cafes, village stores, and allotments, to activities such as theatre and craft workshops, to help bring people together to combat social isolation and loneliness.   The not-for-profit organisation, founded by HM King

Throughout January, Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery is supporting its Tap customers by cutting the 20% VAT charge on all drinks. The “No VAT in the Tap” promotion at the brewery in Tongham, near Farnham, means visitors get 20% off the usual price of drinks, with Hogs Back absorbing the tax. The offer, which runs until the end of January, extends beyond Hogs Back’s own beer to the full range on the bar, including soft and hot drinks. A pint of cask ale, including Hogs Back’s fl

CAMRA wants a rethink on business rates hikes for pubs now and not later, as issue raised at PMQs and cabinet revolt reported.     One of the UK’s most successful consumer groups, CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale, is calling on the Prime Minister to urgently announce a rethink on business rates hikes for pubs in England due to come into force on 1 April 2026.    It comes after a cabinet revolt on the issue was reported yesterday, and the issue was a key theme of today’s Prime

https://assets.nationbuilder.com/restorebritain/pages/695/attachments/original/1767788952/Restoring_the_British_Pub.pdf?1767788952 Restore Britain today launches Restoring the British Pub: Measures for Preserving the Heart of Britain , a comprehensive policy paper setting out practical, immediately deliverable reforms to halt the rapid decline of Britain’s pubs and hospitality sector. Since 2000, Britain has lost between a quarter and a third of all pubs, with closures contin

Madrí Excepcional 0.0% is stepping in to help people born in January celebrate their birthdays, after new research shows a significant proportion avoid or miss out on birthday celebrations altogether.   The research, commissioned by the brand, found that 34% of adults born in January actively avoid birthday celebrations with post-Christmas finances (56%), the cold, dark evenings (31%) and a desire to cut back on alcohol (19%) emerging as the primary reasons.   In response, Ma

YouGov survey shows continuing demand for Low and No-Alcohol drinks as more UK adults choose moderate consumption Nearly a quarter (24%) of alcohol drinkers who have tried low and no alcohol alternatives said that these products have reduced their alcohol consumption. More than a third (35%) of UK adults consume up to 5 units of alcohol per week. UK adults are more worried about British teenagers vaping, use of illicit drugs and social media than about alcohol and alcohol alt

Commenting on the First Minister's proposal for a national bank holiday to mark Scotland's participation in the World Cup on Monday 15 June 2026, Paul Togneri of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association said:  "We welcome the First Minister’s proposal to mark Scotland’s first World Cup appearance since 1998 with a public holiday – it’s a fantastic way to celebrate a historic moment for our national team. Pubs have always been at the heart of these occasions, bringing fans together

It’s been a great year for the partnership at Rull Orchard, which has seen owners and producers Mike and Claire receiving awards for their sustainable ciders and perries, having only launched their business four years ago. The couple began planting an orchard in 2018, fermenting fruit from their own trees and local orchards. As the volume of their production has increased they’ve demonstrated a passion for not only nature and biodiversity of orchard habitats but of rekindling

The UK’s queer- and trans-owned brewery Queer Brewing has launched a brand new alcohol-free beer with a clear message: alcohol-free beer isn’t just for Dry January.   Brighter, Bolder  is Queer Brewing’s latest addition to their alcohol-free lineup—a 0.5% hazy IPA, designed to deliver full flavour and body, without the alcohol.   Taking inspiration from their core range 6% hazy IPA Burst Into Bright , Queer Brewing’s head brewer Andy Potter asked himself, “Why shouldn’t these

An MBE has been awarded to Paul Kevin Hegarty, of Lichfield, a trustee of the Licensed Trade Charity, for charitable service to the hospitality sector.    Andy Slee, the Chief Executive of Society of Independent Brewers and Associates (SIBA) where Paul is a Non-Exec Director, had this to say;   “Paul has a long and illustrious history in the beer and brewing industry, and has through his work at the Licensed Trade Charity increased the availability of support for members of t

Up-and-coming Kent darts player Vicky Cauteruccio is aiming high, thanks to new sponsorship from Faversham-based brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame.   The independent family business has stepped in to support Vicky, who lives in Sandwich, after she decided to focus on the sport full-time.   Currently ranked 43 rd  in the World Darts Federation (WDF) UK and Ireland Women’s rankings, Vicky has a special connection to Shepherd Neame, as she and wife Ant previously ran one of

Joe Thomson started brewing in 2009, at which time he was the youngest brewer in the country at just 21 years old. Fast forward to 2022, when he decided it was time to improve his fitness and take up running.  By this time, he was head brewer and co-owner of independent Firebrand Brewing Co., based in Launceston. He realised that, as part of his health drive, he needed a more fitting alternative to his daily pint. That’s when he started brewing non-alcoholic beers and this ha