NEWS

Britain’s oldest brewer, Shepherd Neame, is launching its Spring Photography Competition for 2026, with some fantastic prizes to be won. To celebrate a new year, the independent family brewer and pub company is once again inviting everyone to get out and capture its heartland during the changing seasons – whether that’s its natural landscapes, springtime sights, or the wonder of wildlife. One winner will receive a top prize of a £150 Shepherd Neame gift card and four run

Belhaven Brewery, Scotland’s oldest working brewery, has relaunched its iconic Twisted Thistle IPA with a striking new look and a refreshed recipe as an exciting start to 2026. Twisted Thistle IPA has long been a favourite among drinkers, and the new recipe, at 4% ABV, is carefully crafted to enhance its refreshing flavour while staying true to the bold character that made the beer previously popular in Belhaven’s portfolio. The relaunch also introduces a vibrant new vis

Fundraising for the annual sponsored bike ride challenge Pedalling To Pubs has begun for 2026 in aid of industry charities LTC and Only A Pavement Away , with fundraisers taking on 270km across 4 – 6 June 2026 in Norfolk. Over the three days, 65 hospitality professionals will cycle approximately 55 miles per day, taking on routes from Norwich to Thetford, Thetford to King’s Lynn, and King’s Lynn back to Norwich. This year’s ride steps up the distance compared to 2025’s

Since 2020, Zero Carbon Forum members have delivered real, measurable progress towards net zero including: £5million recovered in lost profits by identifying and reducing energy waste 52% reduction in direct energy emissions 825,000 tonnes of CO2e emissions saved (more than the annual carbon footprint of a town the size of Bath, Southampton or York) Members are on track to meet 2030 net zero targets for direct energy emissions The Zero Carbon Forum, the award-winni

The Hospitality Apprenticeship Showcase celebrates its 10th anniversary Wednesday 11 February , bringing the industry’s emerging talent to the heart of Westminster during National Apprenticeship Week. Taking place from 12.30–16.40 at the Terrace Pavilion, House of Commons, the Showcase has become a flagship annual event, welcoming around 120 hospitality apprentices each year and highlighting the breadth, quality and impact of apprenticeships across the sector. Over the pa

Greene King, the UK’s leading pub company and brewer, is putting the latest technology to the test in real-life pub environments to measure its effectiveness on customers, teams and operational excellence, as well as its money-saving potential. Cooking, cleaning and communication tools are among innovative kit being trialled in day-to-day pub operations by team members and customers. This is part of Greene King’s new ‘innovation pub’ scheme, a programme designed to test a w

Beer + Burger Store King’s Cross, 1 York Way, London N1C 4AS | 23–25 January 2026 A new landmark event for alcohol-free beer is coming to London this January. Alcohol Free Beer Weekender , a three-day celebration of the best alcohol-free craft beer, will take over Beer + Burger Store King’s Cross (1 York Way, London N1C 4AS) from Friday 23 January to Sunday 25 January 2026 , featuring the largest number of alcohol-free beers ever poured on tap at a single UK venue . Across t

ANY SUPPORT ANNOUNCED FOR ENGLAND MUST BE 'PASSED ON IN FULL' TO SAVE PUBS The Scottish Beer & Pub Association (SBPA) have responded to the Scottish Budget 2026-27, saying that the current level of support 'falls far short' of what is required to save some pubs and any further support for businesses in England must be passed on in full to the hospitality sector in Scotland. Commenting, Paul Togneri of the Scottish Beer & Pub Association said: "The support announced by t

Hull’s first community-owned pub and Stoke-on-Trent's Victorian time warp win Pub Saving Awards and Heritage Award CAMRA has named the  Hull Community Pub Society , who saved the New Clarence in Hull, as winners of its Pub Saving Awards 2025 – the first city pub to do so – and revealed the  Vine  in Pittshill, Stoke-on-Trent - which dates back to the Victorian era - as the winner of the Heritage Award. The Pub Saving Award runner ups were Ashton Hayes Community Hub Ltd

Sheffield based Abbeydale Brewery, the UK’s first 100% employee owned brewery, has this week announced the launch of Reverence - their first low alcohol offering. A 0.5% pale ale, the beer is designed to be low in alcohol, but full of flavour, without sacrifice. Loosely inspired by Heathen, Abbeydale Brewery’s popular American Pale Ale, Reverence is hopped using Mosaic for refreshing tropical flavours and notes of zesty grapefruit. As with the rest of their releases, Reverenc

Senior pub company execs, licensees and franchisees from 25+ pub companies will connect at KAM’s Pub Spotlight on 11 th February . KAM will share exclusive new research from both the pub customer and publican perspective and discuss the implications for the sector with a series on panels. Speakers confirmed so far include: Andrew Turner, COO, St Austell Julie Jolie, Central Operations & Compliance Director, Greene King Laurence Brown, Insights Director, Stonegate Steve Alt

Timothy Taylor’s has announced the appointment of Louise McLaughlin as its new Marketing Director, further strengthening the brewery’s leadership team as it continues to champion quality cask ale in the UK. Louise brings more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and brand leadership, having worked across a number of major UK and international brands including Carling, Coors, Madri, and Lee & Wrangler Jeans. Most recently, she held the role of Innovation Director at Molson C

Vault City Brewing has brought back cult favourite Buckie Bomb after renewed demand across Reddit in Scotland and Ireland. The 7.8% sour riffs on the iconic Buckie Bomb cocktail, blending Buckfast-inspired flavours with blackberry, dark fruit and bubble gum notes. The relaunch reflects a wider appetite for bold, culturally rooted Scottish food and drink. The drop is supported by new artwork from Scottish illustrator Stuart Allan and a Buckie-style BBQ glaze with Thiccc Sauce.

The BII is delighted to announce that entries are now open for the 2026 BII Licensee of the Year Award (LOYA) , in partnership with Sky Business . Great pubs are built by brilliant people, whose contribution to their businesses and communities deserves real recognition – by Government, the media and communities. Now more than ever before, it is essential to celebrate the resilience, drive and determination they bring to the sector. Returning this January, the competition is o

Hospitality trade groups have united in a call for a reduction in business rates ahead of next week’s Scottish budget, highlighting the huge disparity in rates bills for pubs north of the border over the last three years. In a joint Statement from the Scottish Beer & Pub Association , Scottish Licensed Trade Association , Scottish Hospitality Group, Night-Time Industries Association Scotland , and UKHospitality Scotland , they said support is vital in protecting jobs and en

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