Bartenders through to final in Cuba
Six of the UK's top bartenders have gone through to the final of the Havana Club Cuban Challenge Cocktail Competition after the semifinal at Sosho, London, on 30 November. They are Kevin Armstrong from Match Bar, Sam Jeveons from Match EC1, Tony Kacha from Cecconi's, Jamie Stephenson at the 2nd Floor Bar Harvey Nichols, all in London; and Ian Morgan from the Basement Bar, the Rossetti hotel, Manchester, and Liam Davy from the River in Bristol. The final takes place in Cuba in March.
Regent Inns reports sales increase
Late-night bar and pub operator Regent Inns last week announced a 14.9% year-on-year sales increase for continuing operations for the 22 weeks ended 6 December. Sales at the group's Walkabout and Jongleurs brands declined 6.9% over the same period, however. The group continues to sell off its unbranded properties, with six out of 23 sold since the start of the financial year.
Barracuda opens Wrexham outlet
Pub owner and operator Barracuda opened its 10th Barracuda-branded bar at a cost of £850,000 last week in Wrexham, North Wales. The business has expanded to 147 managed pubs and bars and created 1,000 new jobs under the brands Smith and Jones, Varsity and Barracuda.