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.
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.
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.
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 â 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.
âHospitality is changing,â said a spokesperson for BeerSaver. âVenues want to protect beer quality and profitability â but they also need solutions that align with environmental responsibility and future regulation. ProClean XTRA delivers both.â
By transitioning early, operators can stay ahead of regulatory change, reduce chemical impact, and strengthen their sustainability credentials â without compromising standards.
BeerSaver ProClean XTRAâ¨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 doesnât 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 GAZERâs 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 âwho, where and whatâ behind your sales before committing full rollout budgets ââand 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. Youâll 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 youâre 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
**I've emailed the press release with the images as the images will not upload**
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 worldâs most prized teas â White Oolong from Assam, a state in north-east India â 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 âScottish spirit, Indian soulâ.
At Hand Crafted Drinks Magazine we were sent samples of this excellent spirit, which â as with all spirits that weâre sent â was enjoyed neat and over ice.
The golden liquid is immediately inviting, but on the nose thereâs 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 ÂŁ1 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, Pagoâs original core values still ring true today.
Itâs 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, cafĂŠs 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 thatâs 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?
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.
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.
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, cafĂŠs, 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 studioâs 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.