Ask the Collective
The questions independent drinks founders ask most — answered. Distilled from years of community knowledge so the good stuff never disappears in the feed again.
What are the best bars and venues in London to take industry contacts to experience current drinks scene trends?
Members consistently recommend several venues as top choices for entertaining industry contacts. For cutting-edge, newer venues: Kwant (recently won best bar food at CLASS awards), Coupette in Soho (known for small plates and interesting tasting-size cocktails), Cavita's downstairs bar concept (consulted by Mr Lyan, features DJ, small mezcal den vibe), and Dram are popular. For established classics with strong credentials: Three Sheets Soho, Swift Soho, Satan's Whiskers, Thin White Duke, Chiltern Firehouse, Connaught, and Claridges. Members also mention Mr Foggs Apothecary, Murder Inc (central), Soma, Duke's, and Scarfes. Swift Soho requires booking and has a strict door policy even with reservations; walk-ins are typically not accepted. Three Sheets is described as worth the trek despite being slightly out of the way. Coupette allows you to work through the menu with tasting-size cocktails but note the cost. For food, Swift has minimal options but Murder Inc's nachos are noted as outstanding, and Kwant is specifically recognised for bar food quality.
How should premium brands approach on-trade distribution, and what are the best tactics for accessing major wholesalers and bar chains?
For premium on-trade placement, members highlight a multi-route approach with clear trade-offs. **Wholesaler routes:** - **Bibendum** and **Amathus** — the standard major wholesalers for high-end London bars, but members warn they have "absurd terms" and often require you to line up multiple venues simultaneously before they'll consider stocking. Tender processes for pub groups may only happen annually. - **Matthew Clark** — owns Bibendum; can sometimes facilitate listings through their "extended range" programme, allowing newer products into their portfolio without full commitment. This route is more expensive for bars than standard listings, and getting a single venue stocked is difficult. - **Specialty Drinks (Whisky Exchange)** — described as "likely easier" than Amathus or Bibendum for niche spirits (whiskies, cognacs, etc.). Members recommend asking the bar's existing wholesaler account managers to push for it as well. - **Master of Malt** — reported to facilitate Matthew Clark orders, though the relationship to Bibendum is unclear. **Direct approach:** - Members strongly recommend pushing to go **direct to high-end bars** where possible, especially in London, as bars are more likely to accept direct listings than going through wholesalers. - This avoids wholesaler friction but requires building relationships bar-by-bar. **Pub group chains:** - Members asked about **Marston's** supply chain access but no detailed tactics emerged in the discussion. **Key caveats:** Wholesalers are described as "a nightmare" with demanding terms and slow tender cycles. For a single venue, direct negotiation is preferable.