Spencer Matthews: My biggest challenge this Dry January, and why I hate mocktails Life&Style Former Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews founded the Clean Co alcohol-free drinks company in 2019. He talks to City AM about his Dry January challenges, both personal and professional. What does Dry January mean to you personally? I see January as a chance for people and for society to reflect on their relationship with [...]
Dry January 2026: 7 of the best alcohol free events in London Life&Style Whether you’re going totally alcohol free, trying a ‘damp January’ by moderating your intake or purely interested in the latest initiatives to do with sobriety, here are five interesting-sounding activities to try out this Dry January. Dry January events to book now CBD cocktails at The Alchemist Alchemist bars around the UK will be partnering [...]
Jeremy Clarkson rakes in millions from Hawkstone brewery Business Profit at Jeremy Clarkson’s brewery Hawkstone has surged during its latest financial year after its sales almost tripled, it has been revealed. New accounts for the business behind the Cotswolds brewery show the firm’s total equity jumped from £432,512 to just over £3m in the year to 31 March, 2025. Total equity is the overall [...]
Wild by Tart launch limited edition gin in national supermarkets December 17, 2025 The founders behind Wild by Tart have launched a limited edition gin in national supermarkets as they look to expand from their restaurateur roots. The duo, who started their culinary careers as food columnists for the Evening Standard Magazine, launched Wild by Tart in October 2019 in London Victoria. They have now collaborated with Bathtub [...]
Laurent-Perrier: King’s champagne supplier blames private school VAT for sliding sales December 9, 2025 Labour’s introduction of VAT on private school fees contributed to profit at Laurent-Perrier, which supplies King Charles III with champagne, being significantly cut during its latest financial year. The division of the French giant has said its sales were impacted not only by the Labour government extending VAT to school fees but also higher interest [...]
The Debate: Should you get drunk at the Christmas work party? December 3, 2025 Should you get drunk at the Christmas work party? It's a question as old as time. We get the case for and against in this week's Debate.
Rachel Reeves mulls second booze tax hike November 12, 2025 Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering an increase in taxes on alcohol in line with a higher reading of inflation in a repeat of last year’s Budget, according to reports. Reeves could hike duties by the retail prices index (RPI) inflation rate in a bid to raise more cash to fill an estimated £30bn fiscal hole [...]
Reeves’ Budget tax hikes force nearly 5,000 pubs to the brink November 3, 2025 The tax hikes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in last year’s Budget have contributed to almost 5,000 pubs now being rated at maximum risk and becoming technically insolvent, according to new research. Figures from Price Bailey have revealed that just over 4,7000 pubs are now in that position, a 14 per cent rise on this [...]
Don’t raise a glass to Starmer’s plan for pubs October 13, 2025 Keir Starmer claims he has a plan to save the struggling hospitality sector, but the detail is thin and all his other actions – like banning vapes and junkfood advertising – suggest his every impulse is to control people’s behaviour, says Eliot Wilson “Pubs and bars are the beating heart of our communities. Under our [...]
Gingardium Leviosa: Harry Potter star Emma Watson’s gin brand takes off October 9, 2025 The luxury gin brand co-founded by Harry Potter star Emma Watson has surged in value after raising an extra £5m. Renais Gin was launched in May 2023 by the actor and her brother Alex and is now sold in 11 countries. The siblings were inspired to set up the company by childhood trips to their family’s vineyard, [...]