As industry expertise grows and corporate budgets dwindle, the brand ambassador is looking more irrelevant than ever, says Nick Wykes

Get it right, and you've got a bar that oozes secretive allure. Get it wrong, and you'll be staring at an empty room. So what's the key to the speakeasy? Armed with the secret password, Tom Sandham muscles his way past the hype to find out...

They look great, are easy to make and serve, and they’re likely to help your bottom line, too. Isn’t it time that you shared in the benefits of the punch bowl, asks Clinton Cawood

Recession-battered pubs have been offered a lifeline in the shape of £4m in government funding and a 12-point action plan.

Stuart Hudson has been named beverage manager for the cult new bar and restaurant Viajante in East London. The restaurant is the brainchild of Nuno Mendes.

A new organisation has launched this week, which aims to help UK restaurants become global leaders in sustainability.

What is it that makes any bar, pub or restaurant a must-visit? Susanna Forbes trawls the country in search of the ideas that really work and keep the punters coming back for more

Scotland’s oldest wine merchant, Cockburns of Leith, has been rescued from administration by a company owned by former Glasgow Rangers FC chairman Sir David Murray.

London wine shop Bottle Apostle has launched its wholesale business six months ahead of schedule because of trade demand.

Novum Wines has been purchased by Hallgarten Druitt. The acquisition, which took place last week, will see the small south-east London merchant’s entire portfolio move to Hallgarten.

The Sake Sommelier Association has just launched its first course for aspiring saké sommeliers. Richard Woodard wrestles with hunchbacks, soy sauce and Japanese symbols to give it a taste-drive

Want to add a real touch of individuality to your list? Then why not think about creating a bespoke own-label wine? Fiona Sims finds out how Château Moi could benefit your business

Cocktail masterclasses can be a great extra money-spinner – and a clever means of inspiring both new-found respect and discernment among your customers. So sit up, pay attention, and 50 lines for anyone who interrupts, says masterclass guru Alex Kammerling

From wine bars to gastropubs to top restaurants, a wee bit of imagination goes a long way when it comes to upping your wine sales. Fiona Sims casts her eye over some of Britain’s most innovative serves

The next 12 months could be a turbulent time for the British economy. Nick Midgley talks to key on-trade bar and restaurant figures to find out how to make money during a downturn