Hop, Clip, & Pump

Last night, I set out to do something simple: visit a handful of local venues and see, first-hand, how they are navigating the ongoing cost-of-living pressures. What emerged was not a single narrative, but a series of small, revealing conversations, each offering a different perspective on an industry still adjusting to sustained uncertainty. Within a short distance, my local area offers a surprisingly varied drinking landscape: a working men’s club, two microbars, and two traditional pubs. Though geographically close, these venues differ significantly in scale, structure, and approach. A Patchwork of Venues Each venue operates according to its own logic. The working men’s club is managed, with a steady rotation of bar staff reflecting a more institutional model. The microbars, by contrast, are deeply personal spaces. One is run primarily by a couple, with one partner typically behind the bar, giving it a quieter, more intimate feel. The other, slightly larger and busier, is also f...

  Seven Brothers Brewery is a family-run brewery based in Salford, Greater Manchester, in the north of England. The brewery was founded in 2014 by the McAvoy brothers, who grew up in a family where brewing beer was a tradition. Today, the brewery has become a staple of the local beer scene and has won numerous awards for its innovative and delicious beers. One of the things that sets Seven Brothers Brewery apart is its commitment to using high-quality ingredients and traditional brewing techniques. The brewery sources its malt and hops from local suppliers and uses traditional brewing methods, such as open fermentation and cask conditioning, to create beers that are full of flavour and character. But Seven Brothers Brewery is also known for its innovative approach to brewing. The brewery has a range of beers that cater to all tastes, from classic British ales to bold and experimental brews. Let's take a closer look at some of the beers produced by Seven Brothers Brewery: Watermelon...

Oakham Ales is a brewery based in Oakham, Rutland, in the heart of England. Founded in 1993, the brewery has become synonymous with quality ales, innovative brewing techniques, and a commitment to using the finest ingredients. Oakham Ales has won numerous awards for its beers, including the prestigious Champion Beer of Britain award , which it won in 1998 and 2001 for its flagship beer, Citra . This beer has become an icon of the brewery and is one of the most popular ales in the UK. But Oakham Ales is not just about Citra. The brewery produces a range of high-quality beers that cater to all tastes and occasions. From refreshing pale ales to rich stouts , Oakham Ales has a beer for every palate. Let's take a closer look at some of the beers produced by Oakham Ales: Citra As mentioned earlier, Citra is Oakham Ales' flagship beer. It is a golden ale that is bursting with fruity hop flavours, thanks to the generous use of Citra hops . This beer is refreshing, zesty, and perfect...

  The venue I work for furloughed us a week ahead of the rest of the country and to begin with my 80% wages seemed pretty decent for a zero hours worker. I've always put my hand up for every shift going,splits, doubles, back-to-back,you get the picture but because I had two jobs last year I took a large drop in income compared to 2019 when furlough only paid out for one. Purely by chance I was invited to apply for a hospitality grant to help me get through the crisis. It helped massively both financially and mentally to have that helping hand when I needed it most. Now I'd like to introduce you to Hospitality Action  who offer different kinds of help including mental health and financial support.  Hospitality Action was established in 1837 and has since offered vital assistance to all who work, or have worked within hospitality in the UK. We’re here for the chefs, waiters, housekeepers and managers. We’re here for the concierges, receptionists and kitchen porters. And we’...

Back in the day when pubs were pubs, full of lairy hairy men not afraid to quaff ten pints and chase them with a Belgian Tripel and a Jamesons I sold many, many bottles of Duvel. Its not a personal favourite of mine but there's no doubt in the outstanding provenance of the Moortgat brewery .  Maybe not so well known here in the UK is their penchant for design. Simply put Duvel do more than brew beer, they've created an impressive collection of unique glassware . This year Duvel collaborated with the very talented Dutch tattoo artist Morrison Schiffmacher to create one of the most stunning art glasses I've ever seen.  And speaking of provenance Morrison has a decently rich heritage herself.  Her father Hendrikus Johannes Everhardus "Henk" Schiffmacher, also known as Hanky Panky, is himself a tattoo artist. He is considered an expert within the field having curated exhibitions, written books, and presented television shows on the subject. Schiffmacher has claimed me...

Believe me a man's choice (or woman's) of beer glass is a vitally important part of the imbibing culture, it marks the transition from being 'just a customer' to being 'a regular' in their favourite pub. When they walk through the door, the bar tenders hand is already reaching for their drinking vessel of choice marking their status at the bar. Here's a handy guide to choosing your own special glass.