On-Trade Reopening in the UK – July 2020
With the On-Trade (hospitality industry) being allowed to re-open from 4 July, the problems that social distancing rules pose are being tackled in a variety of innovative ways. To help restaurants maintain social distancing a contactless tableside ordering service has been developed by three British entrepreneurs. ‘Creventa’ enables customers to view menus, order and pay at their tables with their phones. The absence of printed menus and card machines helps to minimise cross-contamination. Alan Lorrimer, founder of London venue The Piano Works and supporter of the UK Grand Outdoor Summer Café campaign, has called on the government to allow hospitality operators to use open spaces and squares outside their venues for food and drink service. Around the world there have been many other unusual social distancing techniques pioneered. These include wearing ‘swimming woggle hats’, dining under individual Perspex lamp shades and using mannequins and teddy bears to occupy particular seats! Unusual ways to enjoy your vintage brandies!
We are truly at the height of summer here in the UK. France has experienced extremes of weather again this year, but the growing season is going well. As ever DB has been searching out new cognacs for you to enjoy and recently, he added four new vintages to the Hermitage stable. From the top cru, Grande Champagne, comes 
It’s been a very busy start to the year with interesting cognac events in the diary and the arrival of yet more new stock. Following the BNIC’s launch of a new brand identity for the cognac appellation, they organised a trade-only Tasting event in London. Very well attended, our 