A regular round-up of news from brewers, hospitality operators, and other sector businesses and groups.
JD Wetherspoon is to hold a Scottish Beer Festival in its pubs north of the border from 10th to 19th July. Cask beers will be: Broughton Old Jock Champion Double Ale, Cairngorm Lairig Brew, Fierce Oak-Aged Amber, Fyne Ales Heather Brae, Harviestoun Ochil Vienna, Loch Lomond Sail Away, MòR Blue Gold, Orkney Boulder Beach, Skye Blonde, Stewart Beekeeper’s Gold, Swannay Dark Munroe and Williams March of the Penguins. There will be craft cans from Fierce, Loch Lomond, and Stewart breweries.
• Harvey’s Brewery is to host a talk on Sussex inn signs, with historian Dr Janet Pennington. “From Red Lions to Royal Oaks, we’ll uncover the stories, folklore, and hidden meanings behind some of Sussex’s most recognisable inn names, drawing on Dr Pennington’s extensive research into the county’s historic inns and taverns,” says the brewer.
“We’ll also be showcasing historic pub signs from across the Harvey’s estate, alongside original concept artwork by Lewes artist Julian Bell.” The event is on 27th June, with two sessions, at 2pm and 5pm. Pick up tickets here.
• Greene King Pub Partners, the leased, tenanted and franchise business of Greene King, is investing more than £200,000 to support its partners during this summer’s tournament of football. The investment includes supplier-backed promotional kits, marketing support, and mobile bars.
The support is in addition to the 60 Years of Hurst beer, brewed in collaboration with Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, the last surviving member of England’s iconic World Cup winning squad. Five pence from every pint sold will be donated to Diverse Abilities, Dorset’s disability charity, supporting those with profound physical and learning disabilities, a charity close to Sir Geoff’s heart.
• Neon Raptor have picked up the keys to their new taproom in Gedling, Nottingham, after three years of talks with the landlord. A 12-week building project is getting under way, and the venue is due to open in September.
• Urban Pubs & Bars have re-opened The Queens pub in Crouch End, London, following a sensitive £150,000 refurbishment. The grade II-listed Victorian landmark has undergone a careful restoration programme designed to preserve and enhance the unique character that has made it a focal point of the community for generations.
• Independent German Kraft Brewery is to operate a revived Model Market, in Lewisham. The brewer will oversee operations across the site and curate the street food offering. “We’re excited to bring Model Market back to life as a next-generation social destination for Lewisham, a place that feels open, dynamic, and deeply connected to the local community,” said German Kraft founder Felix Bollen. “We’ll be continuing the community social hub we ran in Elephant & Castle over the last nine years.”
• JD Wetherspoon is to return to Crewe, eight years after The Gaffers Row closed as part of a redevelopment project. The company has purchased The Farmhouse Beefeater from Whitbread.
• Carling is running a Lucky Pants promotion in partnership with OddBalls, giving away more than 4,500 pairs of men’s underwear across retail partners, including Tesco and Morrisons. The underwear brand is known for its vibrant designs and charity partnerships, which spark meaningful conversations.
