Claxton’s Spirits to showcase award-winning Core Range at 2026 Northern Restaurant & Bar (NRB)
It’s time to light your interest in the Claxton's Core Range at this year’s Northern Restaurant & Bar, on 10-11 March at Manchester Central.
Some 12,100 visitors and 400+ exhibitors are expected at the North of England’s leading hospitality trade event.
Small batch. Big ideas
Claxton’s 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, Claxton’s philosophy is quality over volume-driven conveyor belt production, while remaining scalable enough to meet repeat trade demand.
The Claxton’s Core Range is now available in 26 countries.
Shelf confidence
Meticulous cask maturation includes wood management – 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 bottle’s 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.
That’s 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: “The 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 liquid’s story, taste a clear flavour identity, and enjoy unimpeachable quality.
We look forward to illuminating you at the Northern Restaurant & Bar Show, where you’ll experience Claxton’s Core Range firsthand!
Feel free to discuss our maturation philosophy with the team and discover how independent Scotch can elevate classic and contemporary serves.”
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 sector’s 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 £1 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 £200k. 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 & Co’s 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 Doogle’s Donuts, helping operators build profitable, sustainable businesses with less financial admin.
The launches build on Evans & Co’s 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 ‘swicy’ (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 “hot honey” searches in 2025.
From zesty margaritas to deliciously spiced lemonades, it’s 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 MONIN’s latest NPD, Tony Kousoulou, Beverage Expert at MONIN, said:
“We 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 ‘swicy’ 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.
“In parallel, we’re 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.”
For more information about the new products, and to buy visit MONIN’s 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 – Baby Beers are Back at The World’s Smallest Pub
Manchester loves nothing more than a good pub, and the headline-making activation, the World’s Smallest Pub is back for 2026. Featured by Manchester Evening News and The Morning Advertiser, liqueur brand Licor 43’s 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 Cleethorpes’ ‘The Signal Box Inn’ 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 “Tiny Taberna”, creating an immersive environment that truly brings the Spanish heritage of the brand to life. Licor 43 is the world’s 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 ‘cocktail shooter shots’ over regular spirit shots, and the fastest growing premium liqueur is at the forefront of this trend.
Despite Gen Z’s 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, it’s 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 Vocation’s Wandering Inn, Flat Iron Squares ‘Three Jingle Bells’ and The Groper’s Arms in Paignton following suit in 2025, showcasing the growing appeal for compact, novelty-led drinking experiences. Brand Manager, Claire Maguire said “We’re so pleased to bring back this much-loved miniature pub as a must-see at NRB, but we’re keen to tell the story of Spain this year. With over 6500 venues stocking, we know it’s on bartender’s radar, but we’re keen to chat to bartenders about bringing it to life with theatre and novelty, and get consumers knowing all about it.”
Northern Restaurant and Bar attendees looking to try the UK’s biggest little shot should head to stand ND124, but for those who can’t make it, the World’s Smallest Pub will go on tour, popping up at events around the UK this Spring and Summer.
Pusser’s Rum Launches Limited Edition “Night Watch” to Mark Trafalgar Day
Pusser’s Rum, the original Royal Navy rum, is proud to announce the launch of Night Watch, a new limited-edition expression released to commemorate Trafalgar Day on 21st October 2025.
Night Watch marks a bold new direction for Pusser’s, crafted with Louisiana Blackstrap Molasses, prized as the finest in the world. The blend combines aged distillate from vintage wooden pot stills in Guyana with 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 Majesty’s 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. It’s 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 from 13th 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 Żubrówka, Pusser's Rum, G'Vine Gin, Licor 43, and Martin Miller’s, 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 Pusser’s 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 Pusser’s 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 world’s 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 Goslings’ enduring brand strength with Paragon Brands’ proven capability to build momentum in one of the world’s 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 ’n Stormy® 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.
“Goslings is a brand with extraordinary heritage, a unique identity and global recognition,” said Chris Jones, Managing Director at Paragon Brands. “We 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. It’s a natural fit alongside our existing portfolio and allows us to build on the rum expertise we have developed with our existing partner Pussers”.
Under the agreement, the Goslings range will benefit from Paragon’s 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 ’n Stormy®, Goslings Finest Tonic Water, and the only authentic RTD Dark ’n Stormy® cocktail, available in a growing range of flavours.
Max Abbott, export director at Goslings said: “Paragon 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.”
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 Żubrówka, Licor 43, Anne Bonny, Caleño, Pusser's Rum, Goslings, and Martin Miller’s.
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 they’re 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 “Summertime signals one of the most important sales periods for pubs, bars and restaurants so it’s vital that establishments prepare for this busy period in order to impress their customers and win that all important repeat custom.”
“I couldn’t agree more” said Allan Stevenson, Draught Quality Training Manager at Chemisphere. He continued “people 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 ware”.
Jeff Singer, Commercial Director at Beer Piper added “Beer 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. It’s 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 everyone’s minds and this is where Beer Piper can really help.”
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 – 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.
Flomatic to Launch EcoHold 16 Powered by EcoBurner at NRB Show 2026
Flomatic, a leading provider of sustainable foodservice equipment and buffet solutions, today announces the launch of the new EcoHold 16 Powered by EcoBurner at the prestigious NRB Show 2026 in Manchester, highlighting the company’s continued focus on innovation, sustainability, and operational efficiency in hospitality and catering.
The EcoHold 16, designed to meet the evolving needs of modern foodservice operations, is a compact, mobile hot-and-cold holding unit that operates entirely without electricity, cables, or water - delivering consistent temperature control through advanced EcoBurner technology and reusable cool packs. The unit holds up to 16 standard GN 1/1 pans or 8 sheet pans, making it ideal for satellite service, smaller venues, or busy buffet stations where space and manoeuvrability are crucial.
“We’re thrilled to introduce the EcoHold 16 at the NRB Show,” said Martin Chester, Operations Director “This new model brings all the performance and flexibility of the EcoHold range into a more compact form factor, empowering chefs, caterers, and operators to deliver hot and cold food service with zero reliance on mains power - a true breakthrough in sustainable service.”
The EcoHold family also includes the EcoHold 32, a larger capacity unit designed for high-volume banqueting and buffet operations. Sharing the same ThermoFlex holding technology, both sizes provide up to five hours of reliable temperature control for hot or chilled food without electricity or batteries, enabling greater flexibility for live events and off-site service.
In addition to the EcoHold range, Flomatic will showcase its waterless buffet dish solutions, including the EcoServe range of chafing dishes. These products eliminate the need for water baths or steam, streamline setup and breakdown, and enhance food hygiene and presentation - key priorities for modern venues aiming to improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
Visit Flomatic at Stand NA91 during the NRB Show 2026 to see live demonstrations and discover how EcoBurner-powered solutions can support safer, cleaner, and more sustainable foodservice operations.
TONIC & MIXER MASTERS AWARDS
For an Award-Winning Signature Serve, Just Add Fitch — Proud Recipient of the 2025 Tonic & Mixer Masters Gold & Silver Awards." These Awards were published in the July edition of 'The Spirits Business'.
Frobishers Sparkling Range Gets a Glow-Up
New Look, New Flavours, Same Exceptional Taste
Frobishers, the award-winning B Corp producer of premium fruit drinks, is delighted to unveil a refreshed look for its canned sparkling range, now featuring three exciting new flavours: Raspberry Lemonade, Sparkling Cherry, and Sparkling Elderflower.
The refreshed range combines contemporary, eye-catching packaging with on-trend flavour profiles that meet growing consumer demand for bold, yet approachable, drinks. The collection balances fruity sweetness, floral notes, and crisp effervescence, making it perfect for casual sipping, summer serves, or premium mixers in cocktails.
New flavour highlights for trade buyers:
• Raspberry Lemonade – Vibrant raspberries meet zesty lemonade in a perfectly balanced, lively sip.
• Sparkling Cherry – Deep-red cherries deliver a rich, juicy flavour with a refreshing fizz.
• Sparkling Elderflower – Subtle floral notes mingle with gentle bubbles for a delicate, easy-drinking option.
Fan favourites Sicilian Lemonade and Apple & Elderflower have also had a “glow-up” with refreshed designs, keeping the range modern, premium, and perfect for any hospitality setting.
All Frobishers sparkling drinks are lightly fizzy and under 60 calories per can, aligning with modern menus and consumer trends for lighter, better-for-you refreshment options.
Charlotte Stainforth, Marketing & Brand Manager at Frobishers, said:
"Our sparkling range brings vibrant, trend-led flavours to the bar. The refreshed packaging and new additions make it simple for pubs, bars, and restaurants to offer something distinctive, delicious, and premium."
John Breading, Sales Director at Frobishers, added:
"This refreshed range gives trade partners a real opportunity to drive sales with standout flavours and striking packaging. These drinks are designed to attract attention, delight customers, and encourage repeat purchases."
The refreshed Frobishers sparkling range is available now for trade customers.