Claxtonâs Spirits to showcase award-winning Core Range at 2026 Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB)
Itâs time to light your interest in the Claxton's Core Range at this yearâs Northern Restaurant & Bar, on 10-11 March at Manchester Central.
Some 12,100 visitors and 400+ exhibitors are expected at the North of Englandâs leading hospitality trade event.
Small batch. Big ideas
Claxtonâs Spirits produce highly distinctive single-cask releases, setting their own gold standard in a fluctuating global market that can sometimes fold its arms to innovation.
In a UK drinks industry beleaguered by rising costs, shifting consumer habits, and economic uncertainty, Claxtonâs philosophy is quality over volume-driven conveyor belt production, while remaining scalable enough to meet repeat trade demand.
The Claxtonâs Core Range is now available in 26 countries.
Shelf confidence
Meticulous cask maturation includes wood management â the cradle of flavour in their Core Range. The aroma, texture and finish of a ruby port finish, for example, is a world away from a re-charred oak cask.
Each bottleâs self-confidence and label appeal stand out alone on the back bar, or as part of the wider collection, with expressions also adding clout to premium cocktail ranges.
Thatâs why Claxton Spirit has built a solid reputation in the on and off trades.
Bars and restaurants offering independent bottlings gain a point of difference, while for retailers, limited, repeatable small-batch expressions are commercial and collectable.
Says Adrian Hoose, Director: âThe global market is under pressure, but we know that customers are looking for authenticity and crafted spirits.
Consumers and trade buyers want to hear the liquidâs story, taste a clear flavour identity, and enjoy unimpeachable quality.
We look forward to illuminating you at the Northern Restaurant & Bar Show, where youâll experience Claxtonâs Core Range firsthand!
Feel free to discuss our maturation philosophy with the team and discover how independent Scotch can elevate classic and contemporary serves.â
Sell-Out Success Sparks Second Award-Winning Limited-Edition Launch from DropWorks
Europeâs largest premium rum distillery DropWorks Rum is launching the second of its hand-selected, limited-edition Drops after the first sold out within a matter of hours â and the new liquid has already won a coveted industry award.
Part of the highly collectable Distillerâs Drops series, the newest limited Drop is a unique example of modern British rum crafted in the DropWorks distillery and selected from the DropWorksâ barrel store, nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.
Distillerâs Drop #002, which has already won Gold in the Spirits Business Rum and CachaçaâŻMasters 2026, debuts following the success of the seriesâ inaugural release in November which sold out within 48 hours of going live to the public.
Limited to 900 bottles, Distillerâs Drop #002 is a small batch cask release crafted for those who love rich, full flavoured rum. Matured for 28 months in Bordeaux red wine casks, the wine-infused oak has enriched the British-made rum with vibrant notes of wild strawberries, a crackle of black pepper and the caramelised snap of crème brĂťlĂŠe. Bottled at a confident 50.7% ABV, the Drop marries elegance with intensity.
This second limited edition DropWorks release will be unveiled at an exclusive launch event at the Black Parrot in London on Tuesday 17th March, ahead of public release on Monday 23rd. Attendees will take a deep dive into the limited-edition Drop with a guided tasting led by DropWorks Founder and Master Distiller Lewis Hayes and a first look at the story behind the latest release,âŻincludingâŻthe production process as well as the barrels which were selected to shape the rums distinctive character.
Lewis said: âThe initial launch of our Distillerâs Drop #001 was a huge success, with rum enthusiasts and eager spirit explorers snapping up the first limited release within hours.
âSince opening our doors in 2023, everything has been building towards our exclusive Drop series, and weâre excited to be able to continue to explore the distinct flavours that different casks can impart on rum with the introduction of Distillerâs Drop #002. The vibrant fruity and caramel notes infused into this Drop by the Bordeaux cask show the real diversity of rum.
âWith its limited availability, I recommend enjoying it neat, or over ice, to fully experience its flavours. However, it can also be used to beautifully elevate classic cocktails such as an Old Fashioned.â
Investors who supported the brand during its successful crowdfunding campaign can also enjoy access to the presale for Distillerâs Drop #002, starting Wednesday 18th March, and email subscribers will also get early access a few days later that week, ahead of the public.
The Distillery offers a core range of five British-made Drops, providing ârum for everyoneâ and consisting of Barrel Drop, Clear Drop, Dark Drop, Funk Drop and Spice Drop - the first spiced rum made without any added spices.
DropWorks represents a significant step forward for British rum. Based in the heart of Sherwood Forest (in the largest premium rum distillery in Europe) the brand is on a mission to put the whole spirit category well and truly on the map. With a focus on quality ingredients and a fresh perspective, every Drop is designed to unlock creativity behind the bar and bring joy in the glass.
GuestRevu and Cask Marque to showcase pub ratings partnership at Northern Restaurant & Bar 2026
GuestRevu and Cask Marque will be showcasing their new partnership at Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB) 2026, where visitors can see how CaskFinder pint ratings can be viewed alongside online guest reviews in a single GuestRevu dashboard. NRB takes place 10â11 March 2026 at Manchester Central, bringing together hospitality operators and suppliers from across the North and beyond.
Visitors to NRB can visit Cask Marque and GuestRevu on stand NG100 to see the integration and talk to the teams about how the data can be used to improve standards, service and the guest experience.
The partnership means Cask Marque-accredited pubs can now view CaskFinder pint ratings within their GuestRevu dashboard, giving pub teams a clearer view of customer feedback on both beer quality and the wider guest experience in one place. Each pint rating is timestamped and attributed to the beer served, making it easy to spot patterns over time, compare performance across locations, and identify whether feedback points to cellar practice, bar operations, or the broader guest experience.
âThe CaskFinder App has been helping beer lovers across the UK find a great pint for years, but we saw the opportunity to put that feedback data into the hands of the pub operators, so that they can use it to improve standards, service, and the guest experience,â said Chris Alexandre, Founder and CEO at GuestRevu. âBy bringing CaskFinder pint ratings into GuestRevu alongside public review data, pub operators get one clear view of what customers experience in their pubs, and what owners, managers and teams can change or enhance to be even better.â
GuestRevu helps pub and hospitality teams capture, understand and act on guest feedback â from day-to-day service issues through to reputation management and long-term operational improvements. In addition to bringing beer ratings into the same view as guest sentiment, GuestRevu supports:
⢠Online reputation management, including monitoring and responding to public reviews
⢠Multi-location visibility, helping groups compare performance across sites and identify trends
⢠Guest feedback collection, via quick surveys shared by QR code or email
⢠Rooms feedback automation, for pubs with rooms that want to capture feedback across the full guest journey
⢠AI-powered tools, to surface themes, spot trends, and respond to reviews more efficiently
CaskFinder pint ratings are now available at no extra cost to any Cask Marque, Beer Marque or Perfect Pint Promise accredited pub using GuestRevu, from GuestRevu LITE (which is free forever) through to all paid GuestRevu packages. Visit Cask Marque at NRB to see it in action
About GuestRevu
GuestRevu provides award-winning guest feedback and online reputation management tools tailor-made for the hospitality industry, enabling hoteliers worldwide to gain a deeper, guest-focused understanding of operational strengths and weaknesses, monitor and manage their online reputation and reviews, and improve guest satisfaction. Listening to and learning from guests enables hoteliers to drive more direct bookings, build lasting loyalty and ultimately increase revenue. As a Tripadvisor Platinum Review Collection Partner, GuestRevu also gives clients the opportunity to boost their online reviews and ratings on the worldâs largest review site.
About Cask Marque
Cask Marque is an independent organisation funded by brewers, pub groups and trade bodies with the aim of improving beer quality in pubs through an accreditation scheme. A network of over 50 qualified assessors around the country makes over 20,000 visits a year to nearly 10,000 pubs where the award is held. The beers are tested for temperature, taste, aroma and appearance, and accredited pubs are sent the Cask Marque plaque to display, along with a certificate and other point of sale. Their CaskFinder app enables beer drinkers to find pubs serving great beer earn prizes on the Worldâs Biggest Ale Trail, and find instant beer information with its pump clip recognition.
Evans & Co Launches Two New Hospitality Services at NRB 2026
Evans & Co Hospitality Accountants will launch two new hospitality-focused services at NRB 2026, expanding its support for independent operators at every stage of growth.
The first is Restaurant Payroll, a specialist payroll service built specifically for hospitality businesses. Designed to manage the sectorâs complexities, including tronc, holiday pay, and compliance, the service offers online payroll processing, detailed reporting, and a self-service portal to streamline operations and improve staff engagement. In a unique industry benefit, clients can also earn Avios points for every ÂŁ1 spent on payroll, turning a necessary cost into a tangible reward.
Also launching is HospoBase, a fixed-fee accounting solution aimed at hospitality businesses with a turnover under ÂŁ200k. HospoBase integrates seamlessly with Xero and Apron, providing fast, accurate bookkeeping with no hourly billing and no hidden extras. The service is designed to give smaller operators access to Evans & Coâs hospitality expertise in a simple, scalable format.
Founded in 2021 by a former chef, Evans & Co now works with over sixty independent hospitality businesses, including Ma Pubs Group, Arts Bars, Kongs, Acai & The Tribe, and Doogleâs Donuts, helping operators build profitable, sustainable businesses with less financial admin.
The launches build on Evans & Coâs position as the only UK accountancy firm specialising in Profit First for Hospitality. Following the success of its Profit First Hospitality programme developed with Kieron Bailey of People on Purpose and Louise Kissack of Spaghetti Group, the firm has introduced a new learning platform offering guidance on marketing, brand culture, menu engineering, and operational efficiency, alongside live virtual clinics with the team.
TURN UP THE HEAT AND INDULGE IN THE SWEET! Hot Honey and Maple Pecan Pie Join the MONIN Syrup Family
MONIN, the leading syrup brand in the UK on-trade and a trusted partner for hospitality professionals all over the world1 has launched two exciting new innovations for 2026: MONIN Hot Honey and MONIN Maple Pecan Pie syrups. Designed to tap directly into key consumer trends of indulgence, nostalgia and bold flavour exploration, these latest additions promise to elevate drinks menus across coffee shops, bars and hospitality venues, at a time when 2 in 5 consumers are visiting the trade weekly for drinks.
MONIN Hot Honey syrup delivers a slow-building heat balanced by golden sweetness and delicate floral notes. Rooted within the increasingly popular âswicyâ (sweet + spicy) trend, this bold new flavour is set to help venues benefit from a forecasted 27% growth in sweet-spicy flavours, alongside a +56% rise in UK search interest for âhot honeyâ searches in 2025.
From zesty margaritas to deliciously spiced lemonades, itâs sweet, packs a punch, and is essential for bartenders looking to step up their mixology. Perfect for enhancing a classic Margarita with a fiery finish or adding a layer of intrigue to an Old Fashioned. Consumers will soon be able to enjoy MONIN Hot Honey drinks in over 500 Greene King venues nationwide at their Mainstream Social (418 pubs) from 4th April and Heritage (81 pubs) from 2nd June.
Recommended serve: Hot Honey Margarita
⢠20 ml MONIN Hot Honey syrup
⢠50 ml tequila
⢠30 ml fresh lime juice
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
Shake hard, then strain into a chilled glass. Garnish and serve.
Recommended serve: Hot Honey Iced Matcha
⢠20 ml MONIN Hot Honey syrup
⢠30 ml prepared matcha
⢠100 ml milk of choice
⢠Scoop of ice
Add the syrup and milk to a glass filled with ice, then stir to combine. Gently pour matcha over the top to create a layered effect. Garnish and serve.
For those leaning into indulgence and nostalgia, MONIN Maple Pecan Pie syrup offers bakery-inspired comfort in every sip. The golden sweetness of maple blends seamlessly with the buttery decadence of roasted pecans - encapsulating the luxurious taste of a beloved childhood dessert.
With 69% of consumers finding comfort in drinks that evoke nostalgia, and 9 in 10 agreeing that life is more fun with a bit of indulgence , Maple Pecan Pie is perfectly positioned to thrive in both cosy hot drinks and elevated cocktails alike.
Recommended serve: Maple Pecan Pie Chai
⢠20 ml MONIN Maple Pecan Pie syrup
⢠30 ml MONIN Chaï Tea concentrate
⢠240 ml milk of choice
Add the syrup and chai to a heatproof glass or mug and stir to combine. Top with steamed milk. Garnish and serve.
Recommended serve: Maple Pecan Pie White Russian
⢠10 ml MONIN Maple Pecan Pie syrup
⢠30 ml vodka
⢠20 ml coffee liqueur
⢠50 ml single cream
Combine all liquids (sans cream) into a mixing glass and stir for 10-15 seconds, then pour into a chilled rocks glass with a block of ice. Using a barspoon, layer 50ml of single cream over the top. Garnish with grated nutmeg and flamed cinnamon
Both syrups use natural flavourings and colourings and are allergen-free and vegan friendly.
Commenting on the launch of MONINâs latest NPD, Tony Kousoulou, Beverage Expert at MONIN, said:
âWe know from our MONIN S/S 2026 Drinks Trends Report that consumers are increasingly drawn to drinks that feel both indulgent and exciting. The rise of âswicyâ flavours shows a genuine appetite for bold, taste experiences. MONIN Hot Honey syrup delivers an enticing flavour profile that works beautifully across cocktails and simple serves alike.
âIn parallel, weâre seeing that nostalgia continues to play a powerful role when it comes to consumer decision making. Maple Pecan Pie taps directly into the desire for retro flavours, that take consumers down memory lane. Together, these two new innovations give bartenders and baristas incredible freedom to elevate both familiar favourites and new creations.â
For more information about the new products, and to buy visit MONINâs importer Bennett Opie, as well as various wholesalers in the UK. Hot Honey will be available in the on-trade through Greene King at their Mainstream Social (418 pubs) from 4th April and Heritage (81 pubs) from 2nd June.
Step into Spain â Baby Beers are Back at The Worldâs Smallest Pub
Manchester loves nothing more than a good pub, and the headline-making activation, the Worldâs Smallest Pub is back for 2026. Featured by Manchester Evening News and The Morning Advertiser, liqueur brand Licor 43âs kitsch novelty micropub is making a highly anticipated return to Northern Restaurant and Bar Show for 2026; serving the viral Baby Beer shot.
Beating out world record holders, including Cleethorpesâ âThe Signal Box Innâ for the smallest pub title, last March this pop-up pint-sized pitstop was flooded with queues out the door, and this novelty picture spot served over 1000 shots. For 2026, the brand is bringing a touch of Spanish sunshine, renaming the miniature pub the âTiny Tabernaâ, creating an immersive environment that truly brings the Spanish heritage of the brand to life. Licor 43 is the worldâs No1 Spanish liqueur, and its rise to fame in the UK bar scene is down to the viral Baby Beer. This simple two-step serve has taken the nation by storm, with stockists growing from 52 venues to over 6500 since Paragon Brands took on the UK distribution in 2024.
The Baby Beer layers cream liqueur on top of Licor 43, creating an indulgent layered shot that looks like a tiny pint, but has the sunny taste of vanilla, cream and caramel. Paragon Brands surveyed 2000 people in the UK, and almost half prefer âcocktail shooter shotsâ over regular spirit shots, and the fastest growing premium liqueur is at the forefront of this trend.
Despite Gen Zâs love for liqueur-based shots, it boasts 43 ingredients that complement just about any cocktail. From the Carajillo Old Fashioned, tipped as the drink of 2026 by bartending influencers, to the Ibiza Spritz, a grapefruit-forward summer serve that straddles Paloma and Spritz trends, itâs a versatile staple for a wide array of cocktails. The love for this Spanish liqueur is no surprise; 18.4 million Brits visit Spain every year, and tapas is one of the most profitable hospitality businesses in the UK.
The tiny pub sparked a trend following NRB last year, with Vocationâs Wandering Inn, Flat Iron Squares âThree Jingle Bellsâ and The Groperâs Arms in Paignton following suit in 2025, showcasing the growing appeal for compact, novelty-led drinking experiences. Brand Manager, Claire Maguire said âWeâre so pleased to bring back this much-loved miniature pub as a must-see at NRB, but weâre keen to tell the story of Spain this year. With over 6500 venues stocking, we know itâs on bartenderâs radar, but weâre keen to chat to bartenders about bringing it to life with theatre and novelty, and get consumers knowing all about it.â
Northern Restaurant and Bar attendees looking to try the UKâs biggest little shot should head to stand ND124, but for those who canât make it, the Worldâs Smallest Pub will go on tour, popping up at events around the UK this Spring and Summer.
Pusserâs Rum Launches Limited Edition âNight Watchâ to Mark Trafalgar Day
Pusserâs Rum, the original Royal Navy rum, is proud to announce the launch ofâŻNight Watch, a new limited-edition expression released to commemorateâŻTrafalgar Day on 21st October 2025.
Night Watch marks a bold new direction for Pusserâs, crafted withâŻLouisiana Blackstrap Molasses, prized as the finest in the world. The blend combinesâŻaged distillate from vintage wooden pot stills in GuyanaâŻwith the deep, rich character of blackstrap rum - a style once synonymous with resilience and strength in the Royal Navy.
With its bold flavour, evocative depth and heritage-driven authenticity, Night Watch pays tribute to the steadfast sailors keeping vigil through the midnight watch, echoing the spirit of those who first received the daily rum ration aboard His Majestyâs ships.
Made from a blend of wooden pot and column still distilled rums, aged for up to a year, the Night Watch rum has molasses, caramel, island spices and demerara on the nose and a rich, sweet, spicy and multi layered palate. Itâs great neat on ice and served in a variety of cocktails.
This limited-edition release will be available to the UK on-trade and retail fromâŻ13th October 2025 from Paragon Brands, and will be immediately available to consumers through Amazon, The Whisky Exchange, Master of Malt, Drinksupermarket.com, Distillers Direct and Nauticalia.
Ends
About Paragon Brands
Paragon Brands is a leading UK-based company specialising in unique and unusual premium drinks brands. Representing 22 brands from around the world, including ĹťubrĂłwka, Pusser's Rum, G'Vine Gin, Licor 43, and Martin Millerâs, Paragon Brands brings excitement and innovation to the UK drinks market.
Serve - Darkly Fashioned
This dark twist on the Old Fashioned is made with new limited edition Pusserâs Night Watch Rum 70cl - a bold blend of classic Guyanese rum and Blackstrap Rum distilled at Hilton Head Distillery using Louisiana blackstrap molasses, honouring the depth and tradition of naval rum.
60ml Pusserâs Night Watch
20ml Triple Sec
2 to 3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Orange Peel (to Garnish)
Method: Combine rum, triple sec, and bitters in a mixing glass. Add ice and stir until chilled. Strain into a rocks glass with a large ice cube. Express orange peel over the drink and drop it in as garnish
Goslings Rum joins Paragon Brands to build UK presence
Paragon Brands has been appointed the exclusive UK distributor for Goslings Rum, marking a significant new chapter for one of the worldâs most historic rum brands as it accelerates its presence in the UK market.
From this month, Paragon Brands will assume full responsibility for the Goslings portfolio in the UK. The partnership brings together Goslingsâ enduring brand strength with Paragon Brandsâ proven capability to build momentum in one of the worldâs most competitive spirits markets.
Founded in Bermuda in 1806, Goslings is a family-owned rum producer now in its eighth generation. The brand is best known globally for Goslings Black Seal Rum and as the creator of the national drink of Bermuda, the iconic Dark ân StormyÂŽ cocktail. With more than two centuries of heritage, Goslings has earned a unique cultural status as The Official Rum of Leisure, a title celebrated through its role as the Official Rum of the 2025 Ryder Cup and the 2026 PGA Championship.
âGoslings is a brand with extraordinary heritage, a unique identity and global recognition,â said Chris Jones, Managing Director at Paragon Brands. âWe aim to create the conditions for the brand to grow and reach its full potential in the UK. That means bringing The Official Rum of Leisure to more occasions and new audiences with greater focus, while staying true to what people already love about Goslings. Itâs a natural fit alongside our existing portfolio and allows us to build on the rum expertise we have developed with our existing partner Pussersâ.
Under the agreement, the Goslings range will benefit from Paragonâs nationwide, multi-channel distribution alongside expert on-trade and off-trade activation.
Goslings produces an award-winning portfolio spanning rum, ginger beer and ready-to-drink cocktails. At its core is Goslings Black Seal Rum, a premium dark rum aged between three and six years, Goslings Black Seal 151, an overproof expression made from the same blend, Goslings Spirited Seas Ocean Aged Rum, which completes a further year of maturation at sea aboard the HM Oleander, and Goslings Family Reserve Old Rum, a limited, annual release aged between 16 and 19 years and bottled once per year.
Alongside its rums, Goslings produces Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, developed specifically for use in the Dark ân StormyÂŽ, Goslings Finest Tonic Water, and the only authentic RTD Dark ân StormyÂŽ cocktail, available in a growing range of flavours.
Max Abbott, export director at Goslings said: âParagon Brands demonstrated a clear understanding of what Goslings stands for and our belief that rum should be about pleasure, quality and time well spent. Every expression in the Goslings range is rooted in that belief, from our signature Black Seal Rum to our aged rums and our Goslings Stormy Ginger Beer, each designed to invite people to slow down and enjoy the moment.â
Customers are invited to get in touch with Paragon Brands for all enquiries and account management from now. For more information, visit www.paragonbrands.co.uk.
ENDS
About Paragon Brands
Paragon Brands is a leading UK-based drinks company dedicated to developing global icons and homegrown innovators to thrive and endure in the UK market. The company represents and builds brands from around the world including ĹťubrĂłwka, Licor 43, Anne Bonny, CaleĂąo, Pusser's Rum, Goslings, and Martin Millerâs.
Press contacts
For further press information, images or interviews, please contact Crate Communications on [email protected]
Chemisphere & Beer Piper putting quality first to deliver cost savings for clients
Chemisphere and Beer Piper are sister companies on a mission to raise the bar in our industry where quality standards are concerned.
Chemisphere is home of the original Purple Pipeline colour changing beer line cleaner and Beer Piper is home of the ground-breaking automated beer line cleaning system.
Both companies are reminding outlets that theyâre here to make beer line cleaning simpler, safer, quicker and cheaper.
Beer Piper's next generation BP5 machine incorporates all the amazing capabilities of its predecessors as well as a host of new game-changing features. It replicates a traditional manual beer line cleaning sequence: flushing with water, dosing with chemicals, leaving to soak and ending with a final flush of water, while recording and reporting every step to the Beer Piper cloud-based portal. It naturally uses the superior products produced by Chemisphere.
As establishments now turn their attention to summer in order to cash in on the imminent upturn in patrons. Carrying out deep cleans on your lines as well as putting in place the correct processes will ensure that you have positioned yourself perfectly for the upcoming summer rush. As the old adage goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail.
Linda Adamson, Marketing Manager at Chemisphere and Beer Piper, said âSummertime signals one of the most important sales periods for pubs, bars and restaurants so itâs vital that establishments prepare for this busy period in order to impress their customers and win that all important repeat custom.â
âI couldnât agree moreâ said Allan Stevenson, Draught Quality Training Manager at Chemisphere. He continued âpeople only buy a second pint based on the quality of the first and a good pint starts with exceptional line hygiene and immaculately clean glass wareâ.
Jeff Singer, Commercial Director at Beer Piper added âBeer Piper takes care of your line cleaning so you can focus more time and energy on your customers. Not only does it free up your time, it can also save you money by reducing wastage and negating the need to use costly gases. Itâs no secret that times are tough and businesses are worried and the hospitality industry is no exception. Identifying new money saving measures is at the forefront of everyoneâs minds and this is where Beer Piper can really help.â
The Beer Piper system is easy to use and can result in major cost savings for clients by reducing the amount of time staff spend on the task â a clean takes just 8.5 minutes! Not only does the system improve staff efficiencies, but it also ensures consistent high quality cleans are achieved every time. The sealed system mixes the neat beer line cleaner with fresh water directly into the lines, ensuring the correct dilution rate regardless of flow.
The superior quality chemicals used and supplied by Chemisphere ensure lines are immaculate and allow clients to serve the best pints possible. Another advantage of this is that with time clients can go longer between cleans. The automated nature of the system also means that there is no need to manually mix these chemicals thus reducing the associated risks to staff.
Visit chemisphereuk.com and beerpiper.co.uk for more information.
TONIC & MIXER MASTERS AWARDS
For an Award-Winning Signature Serve, Just Add Fitch â Proud Recipient of the 2025 Tonic & Mixer Masters Gold & Silver Awards." These Awards were published in the July edition of 'The Spirits Business'.