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.”
Sell-Out Success Sparks Second Award-Winning Limited-Edition Launch from DropWorks
Europe’s 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 – and the new liquid has already won a coveted industry award.
Part of the highly collectable Distiller’s Drops series, the newest limited Drop is a unique example of modern British rum crafted in the DropWorks distillery and selected from the DropWorks’ barrel store, nestled in the heart of Sherwood Forest in Nottinghamshire.
Distiller’s Drop #002, which has already won Gold in the Spirits Business Rum and Cachaça Masters 2026, debuts following the success of the series’ inaugural release in November which sold out within 48 hours of going live to the public.
Limited to 900 bottles, Distiller’s 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 brûlée. 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, including the production process as well as the barrels which were selected to shape the rums distinctive character.
Lewis said: “The initial launch of our Distiller’s Drop #001 was a huge success, with rum enthusiasts and eager spirit explorers snapping up the first limited release within hours.
“Since opening our doors in 2023, everything has been building towards our exclusive Drop series, and we’re excited to be able to continue to explore the distinct flavours that different casks can impart on rum with the introduction of Distiller’s Drop #002. The vibrant fruity and caramel notes infused into this Drop by the Bordeaux cask show the real diversity of rum.
“With 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.”
Investors who supported the brand during its successful crowdfunding campaign can also enjoy access to the presale for Distiller’s 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 ‘rum for everyone’ 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 10–11 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.
“The 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,” said Chris Alexandre, Founder and CEO at GuestRevu. “By 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.”
GuestRevu helps pub and hospitality teams capture, understand and act on guest feedback — 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 world’s 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 World’s 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 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.
BeerSaver Launches ProClean XTRA: A Future-Ready, Non-Toxic Solution for Draught Line Cleaning
BeerSaver has announced the launch of ProClean XTRA, an advanced, non-toxic beer line cleaning powder designed to deliver powerful performance while supporting environmentally responsible disposal.
As environmental expectations rise and wastewater regulations tighten across the UK hospitality sector, venues serving draught beer are under increasing pressure to operate more sustainably. ProClean XTRA has been developed to meet this shift — combining exceptional cleaning strength with a safer environmental profile.
Traditional caustic cleaners are facing growing scrutiny due to their impact on wastewater systems and discharge compliance. ProClean XTRA offers a forward-thinking alternative. Engineered to outperform conventional caustic solutions, it effectively removes biofilm, yeast and residue while breaking down during use. Once diluted and flushed, the solution reverts to a non-hazardous state, supporting compliant drain disposal and reducing risk to staff and customers.
Designed for pubs, bars, restaurants, hotels, taprooms and event venues, ProClean XTRA enables operators to maintain uncompromising beer quality while aligning with evolving sustainability goals.
“Hospitality is changing,” said a spokesperson for BeerSaver. “Venues want to protect beer quality and profitability — but they also need solutions that align with environmental responsibility and future regulation. ProClean XTRA delivers both.”
By transitioning early, operators can stay ahead of regulatory change, reduce chemical impact, and strengthen their sustainability credentials — without compromising standards.
BeerSaver ProClean XTRA Clean lines. Clear conscience. Future-proof your cellar.
Introducing Gazer Optics: Stop Guessing. Start Scaling.
Budgets poured into activations that might not land.
POS that looks good but doesn’t drive Rate of Sale.
New Product Development that fails to deliver incremental value.
Thousands of mass printed materials ending up in landfill.
Stop spending on what might work. Start proving what does.
OPTICS is GAZER’s live trial platform, connecting progressive venues with leading brands to test new products, new serves, POS and activations in real world environments, before scaling.
For brands and suppliers, OPTICS removes the risk from trade marketing investment. Trial new products, campaigns and activation mechanics in controlled live environments. See how people are interacting with your new ideas, gain access to EPOS driven dashboards tracking Rate of Sale, engagement and purchase behaviour. A/B test key variables to understand what truly drives performance and make the changes you need to make before they become expensive. Know the “who, where and what” behind your sales before committing full rollout budgets and avoid costly missteps, wasted POS and underperforming launches.
For venues, it means exclusive access to supplier funded trials. You get free stock, venue investment and innovative activations. You’ll be first to market with new brands and products, elevate your customer experience with premium (often digital) POS, and play a role in helping suppliers reduce waste by testing smarter.
Getting involved is simple and only takes 60 seconds. Sign up with a GAZER team member, get matched to trials that suit your venue and audience, then run the activation and share Summary sales EPOS data and feedback in return for the full OPTICS benefits.
The result?
Smarter decisions. Stronger launches. Measurable growth.
GAZER OPTICS turns assumption into evidence and investment into impact.
GAZER is a strategic food, drink and hospitality marketing agency helping brands and venues achieve measurable commercial growth. From brand strategy and commercial planning through to visual identity, content creation, digital and print media, website development and full funnel campaigns, we build brands that perform. We also provide long term brand guardianship, social media management and bespoke project solutions, including digital display screens that increase engagement, reduce print waste and unlock additional revenue opportunities in venue spaces.
Whether you’re launching something new, refining your proposition or scaling nationally, GAZER combines strategy, creativity and commercial focus to deliver results that matter.
Rutland Square Chai-Spiced Scottish Rum
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Edinburgh-based Rutland Square Spirits has launched its first Chai-Spiced Rum, expanding its signature chai-inspired portfolio and blending Scottish craftsmanship with Indian soul.
The launch marks a strategic evolution for the brand, already known for its Chai-Spiced Gin, as it builds a flavour-led spirits portfolio designed for global markets.
Crafted in small batches and bottled at 41% ABV, the Chai Spiced-Rum uses Caribbean molasses and aged in sherry casks to develop a ruby-rich depth.
The rum is infused with one of the world’s most prized teas — White Oolong from Assam, a state in north-east India — that delivers a layered, distinctive sipping experience.
The Chai-Spiced Rum was soft-launched at the end of 2025 in duty-free stores across India and the United Arab Emirates, where initial stocks sold out.
The new rum is now being rolled-out through a network of international distribution partners and global online channels.
Founded in Edinburgh, Rutland Square Spirits positions itself at the intersection of Scottish distilling tradition and Indian chai heritage, the brand is described as “Scottish spirit, Indian soul”.
At Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine we were sent samples of this excellent spirit, which – as with all spirits that we’re sent – was enjoyed neat and over ice.
The golden liquid is immediately inviting, but on the nose there’s little to reveal the depth of flavour and taste sensation that awaits.
The mouthfeel is smooth and warming, and the earthy notes come in, along with a distinct and very pleasant spiciness, providing a lingering heat. The Oolong tea provides further depth and complexity, underpinned with the Caribbean molasses, which adds authenticity of a genuine rum.
The finish is an orchestra of flavours and sensations, where everything comes together. The spiciness lingers with a rewarding, memorable warmth.
This a spirit that should be savoured on its own, where every sip should be celebrated.
With on-trade sales of rum continuing to grow (reaching £1 billion by 2022), Rutland Square is well placed to benefit from the trend of rum-based cocktails and spiced rums, driven by demand from Gen Z consumers and the popularity of premium brands.
Pago Premium Fruit Juice
Written by: Libby M
Stand No: NE69
Tell us a bit about your company:
With a history spanning back to 1888, Pago’s original core values still ring true today.
It’s green distinctive bottle captures the secret of taste intensity through a broad number of delicious fruity flavours.
Pago juices are produced from natural fruits, sourced from the best fruit growers in the world to provide a special experience to savour.
The brand today is indispensable in bars, cafés and restaurants across Europe such as France, Italy, Spain, Croatia, UK and is desired by consumers in over 30 countries world-wide.
With 14 delicious flavours, it offers consumers an unparalleled choice that’s sure to please.
Exclusively available to the on trade. Vegan and Gluten Friendly!
Tell us about your latest product(s), promotions or launches visitors can hope to see on your stand:
With a diverse range of 14 flavours, from timeless classics to exotic and berry options, Pago brings versatility and luxury to any menu. Perfectly suited as premium soft drinks, mixers, cocktail/mocktails, or smoothie ingredients, Pago can elevate the hospitality experience.
Try our newest flavour, Pago Dragonfruit Guava! With its vibrant pink colour, velvety texture, as well as its unique exotic taste and smell, Pago Dragonfruit Guava provides a sensory experience for a moment of intense indulgence.
Why is exhibiting at Northern Restaurant & Bar an unmissable opportunity for you?
Branda Branda launches hospitality-focused design studio
Branda launches as a new creative studio specialising in uniforms and merchandise for the hospitality industry
Branda has officially launched as a creative design studio focused on uniform styling and merchandise design for hospitality-led businesses. Working across restaurants, cafés, bars, and hotels, Branda helps brands translate their identity into considered, well-made pieces that work both on and off the floor.
With a background in uniform production, Branda offers a full end-to-end service, supporting clients from initial concept through to final manufacture. The studio’s approach removes the complexity often associated with uniforms and merchandise, delivering thoughtful design solutions without adding pressure to already busy hospitality teams.
By combining practical industry knowledge with a design-led mindset, Branda creates uniforms and merchandise that feel purposeful, wearable, and aligned with the brand long-term, rather than short-term or trend-led.
Branda is now working with hospitality businesses across the UK.
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.