Today’s news in brief – 20/05/24

Drinks sales rose 13% for the week ended 11 May as warm weather emerged. Trading was well up on all seven days of the week, beginning with a 17% uplift on Bank Holiday Monday, 6 May. The sunshine made it a good week for Long Alcoholic Drinks (LAD) categories, with cider sales up 33% ahead of the same week in 2023. 

The NTIA has expressed “profound” dismay over a total of 67 nightclubs closing in Q1, equating to roughly five closures per week. Of these closures, nearly four on average were independently run, totalling 48 independent closures and 19 managed or tenanted establishments. CEO Michael Kill lamented the rapid pace of closures, revealing that the country has been losing just under 10 nightclubs per month.

Knoops has appointed Romy Miller as chief marketing officer. She joins Knoops from KellyDeli, the owner of Europe’s largest sushi brand, Sushi Daily. She was previously the marketing and commercial director for Gail’s Bakery.

Stonegate will be reopening The Grove on 30 May following a substantial refurbishment. The Grove has been closed since November after an unfortunate fire incident last year. With a history dating back to 1839, The Grove stands as the longest running folk club in the town.