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.
Which trade shows and food/drink expos deliver the best ROI for spirits and premium drinks brands?
Members' experience with major consumer shows is mixed and heavily dependent on brand positioning and price point. BBC Good Food Show attracts a broad demographic that skews toward lower price-point, sweeter products rather than premium spirits—one member reported getting repeatedly asked if lemonade could be added to their product. Volumes can be decent (one wine importer reported £22K sales in Birmingham), but pitch fees are described as "eye watering" and ROI is often poor for premium brands. Pimentae found decent volumes but the wrong customer demographic; Shanky's Whip moved 900 bottles at £25 each (on promotion at £20), though this required heavy discounting. Members recommend premium spirit producers "stay well clear" due to oversaturation of spirits brands making it hard to stand out. The Atom food and beverage conference (held at Doncaster Racecourse) attracts good numbers of retail buyers but delivery is inconsistent—one attendee found it well-run with solid contacts, while another reported poor organisation and significant buyer no-shows. Members suggest evaluating any show based on whether the attending buyer demographic aligns with your brand's retail price positioning and target market, rather than assuming volume = success.
Which trade shows deliver the best ROI for drinks brands: ProWein, Sial, Anuga, Berlin Cocktails, and Foodies Festivals?
ProWein has proven productive for members—one member noted strong returns from Seven Tails. Berlin Cocktails (BCB) is worth attending for meetings and networking with international distributors, but opinions on exhibiting vary: one member has maintained a stand since 2018 with great returns, while others found it overpriced, disorganised, and difficult to stand out alone. The show is most valuable for year-round partner reviews, meeting new distributors across multiple countries, and accessing industry networking events—less valuable if pursuing German domestic distribution. A collaborative Kindred stand was suggested as a way to solve visibility issues and create buzz. Foodies Festivals received consistently negative feedback on ROI. Members described them as expensive to exhibit at with no guaranteed footfall, attracting crowds primarily interested in free samples rather than brand engagement. One member lost money at Bristol Foodies (2023) but profited at Exeter thanks to higher-spending attendees and good weather. The consensus is to be highly selective, negotiate pitch fees aggressively, and avoid unless you can secure a discounted late-minute spot or identify a specific festival with proven higher-quality footfall in your category.
What is the financial and operational performance of participating in Pub in the Park events as a bottle shop or bar operator?
Members' experience with Pub in the Park is decidedly mixed and depends heavily on format and location. For bottle sales, most participants do not break even financially—one member who did "all of them over the years" noted they're "very hit and miss" and shouldn't be expected to turn profit on off-sales. Marlow is the strongest performing location; Bath performs okay; other venues were described as "awful." However, a collaboration model—partnering with a bar operator rather than running standalone bottle sales—has worked better, eliminating staffing costs and accommodation risk while maintaining visibility. For pouring bars, the picture has shifted: members running cocktail/draught operations report doing "pretty good" at some locations, though they're seeing a downward trend. This is because event organisers increasingly prioritize pouring bars (now 15 per event vs. previously 5–6) because they generate more upfront cash than bottle shops, squeezing the economics for smaller operators. Pitch fees are negotiable, especially when committing to the full portfolio of events, but organisers have historically had cash-flow issues—this varies with their desperation and how many pitches they've already sold. The fundamental challenge: most attendees are there for the vibe, music, and food, not to shop for bottles. Success requires strong positioning (good setup, DJ, visibility), competitive pricing, and a recognizable brand—major spirits brands have largely secured the best bar pitches. Members now use these events selectively for quieter weekends when alternative activations aren't available, viewing them primarily as brand exposure rather than revenue drivers.
Which consumer shows and trade events should we exhibit at throughout the year for product sampling and direct sales?
Members recommend a mix of dedicated food and drink consumer fairs and seasonal events, with proven returns on investment. The key is choosing shows that align with your product category and price point. **Proven shows:** - **BBC Good Food Show** — strong performer; one member sold 820 bottles of their £20 (70cl) product at the winter edition and 530 at summer, generating significant revenue - **Ideal Home Show / Eat&Drink Festival** (runs late November–early December at Olympia) — described as "a must attend" with "great return" for spirits brands; typically sells bottled product around the £30 retail price point **Key planning points:** - Clarify before committing: whether you can sell ready-made cocktails, bottles for off-licence, or both - Understand stand setup costs and requirements upfront - Track sales volume and retail price to compare ROI across events - Consider creating a shared member list of annual events and feedback by category, so brands can learn from each other's experiences at different shows **Caveat:** Members are still collecting comprehensive year-round event data. The above reflects confirmed recent experience; a more complete calendar is being compiled by the community.
Which UK trade shows and events are worth the investment for drinks brands, and should smaller independents exhibit at shows like Imbibe?
The community is cautious about trade show ROI and recommends a strategic approach rather than blanket attendance. **Imbibe** — Generally not recommended. Members report: - Lots of negative feedback from brands in recent years - "An event with diminishing returns" - Last year was half the size of previous years; members are surprised it's continuing - Attendance includes many "glass collectors returning for free samples" rather than serious buyers - High costs (large stand, staffing, hotels, agencies) with limited lead generation **UK Catering Platform** — Worth considering. One member who attended in 2019 secured direct sales from: - Fenwick buyer - Partridges - Several independent buyers (some converted to direct purchasing) **Speciality & Fine Food (Olympia)** — Limited feedback in the discussion; ask directly in the group if considering. **Decision framework members use:** - Consider opportunity cost: the stand/staffing/hotel costs could instead fund someone making 10 targeted calls per day for months - Pre-schedule meetings with existing customers and warm leads in advance to increase ROI - Shows work best for brands that are easily sold through sampling ("so good it will easily sell") or for new launches requiring brand awareness - Budget constraints matter: some agencies switched from Imbibe to NRB Manchester this year as a more cost-effective substitute - Focus on whether the event targets your actual buyer demographic vs. attracting non-purchasing attendees **Caveat:** One member notes shows "should be a demand driver" but "ironically it could end up more about brand awareness if few leads" — clarify your actual goal (lead generation vs. awareness) before committing.
What is the ROI and effectiveness of attending major drinks trade shows like Taste of London, Spirit of Christmas, and Barcode—especially without a dedicated bar stand?
Trade shows deliver mixed returns depending on your product type, the show's audience composition, and how well you activate. Here's what members have learned: **Taste of London** — A consumer-focused event, not primarily a trade play. Members report a good mix of trade and consumers, but ROI varies widely depending on activation quality. The summer event draws fewer trade/press benefits than expected; the winter event performs better for bottle sales (gifting purchases). RTD brands selling for on-site consumption do reasonable volumes, but cans don't move well—people attend to consume, not take inventory home. One member found the winter event "slightly better than summer for people buying bottles for gifting." **Spirit of Christmas** — Expect heavy sampling and mixed results from participating brands. One member reported "some great, some dogs." Cost can be shared effectively with complementary brands (e.g., pairing with another category to split stand costs). No members reported strong revenue gains; it's better positioned as brand awareness than a revenue driver. **Barcode** — Hard to measure direct ROI, but members consider it a "must" for visibility if you want to get in front of all major grocers. One member noted it's "an important place to be" if you have solid relationships with multiple buyers already. Multiple small stands can be more cost-effective than one large one. Effectiveness depends heavily on pre-existing buyer relationships; without them, the value diminishes significantly. **Key caveats:** Without a bar stand, you're limited to sampling and bottle/case sales—which works for gifting/RTD but not for impulse consumption. Setup effort can be substantial relative to returns. Trade shows work best as part of a broader strategy if you have existing relationships to leverage.
What are members' experiences with major UK trade shows and spirits festivals, and which events do they recommend?
Members have participated in a range of trade shows and festivals with mixed results. Here's what the community has experienced: **Taste of London** — Multiple members have exhibited here with non-alcoholic brands (Seedlip, Aecorn, Della Vite). Members recommend connecting directly with others who've attended for detailed feedback on ROI and footfall. **Gin and rum festivals** — Members report these are "great" and worth doing repeatedly. Expect strong footfall: one member noted they "get hit hard" and typically take around £1,500 in a day. Stock plenty of samples. **BBC Gardeners' World Shows** — One member reported "good footfall and slightly different/new audience but arguably not worth the cost" for their brand. Results appear product-dependent. **VinExpo** — Described as "very good" and "the first big show of the year" with a spirits focus. Exhibiting members have stands available and offer open networking to other Kindred members. **Gulfoods (Dubai)** — At least one member has attended and can make introductions to their exhibition team. **BCB Berlin** — Recommended by members who have exhibited there multiple times. **Important caveat:** Members explored the idea of a collective Kindred trade show to reduce individual booth costs, but decided against it after learning the logistics and costs involved. The consensus is that professional event organisers (with years of experience) handle these for good reason, and booth fees reflect genuine operational costs, not exploitation.
Which London venues offer private event spaces with film screening capabilities?
Members recommend several London venues with private screening rooms and bar facilities suitable for drinks industry events. **Specific venues:** - **TT Liquor** — mentioned as a solid option with screening capabilities - **The Ministry Borough** — suggested as a venue option - **Shoreditch Arts Club** — has a smaller private room, approximately 24-seat capacity; members noted it's a nice room with good location and have toured it recently - **Firmdale Hotels** — reported to have cinema rooms in most of their properties, though exact sizes unknown - **Chiswick Cinema** — praised for having a lovely private screen and gorgeous bar - **Barnes Olympic Studios** — noted as convenient, particularly for those based in West London - **Battersea Power Station** — has a cinema with a large, nice bar attached Members appear to have direct experience with several of these venues, having toured or used them recently.
Is it worth exhibiting at specialty food trade shows like Speciality Fine Food and Trade Only Tasting?
Members have found specialty food trade shows can deliver solid ROI, though suitability depends on brand type and attendee quality. **Speciality Fine Food** — One member reported positive results: high footfall, reasonable spend (3×2 shell scheme with printed boards, no hidden costs), and successful meetings with independent accounts, retailers, and wholesalers. They committed to exhibiting again. However, another member noted that gin brands made up ~15% of exhibitors, which dilutes relevance for spirits brands not in that category. **Trade Only Tasting** — Described as a newer event. Members have exhibited but expressed caution about whether the event attracts the right buyer profile to justify the cost; one member wanted to "see if they can get the right people through the door." No detailed performance data shared yet. **Key considerations:** Footfall volume alone doesn't guarantee value—check the mix of exhibitors and attendee types beforehand. A shell scheme with basic printed boards proved cost-effective. Members recommend treating event participation as relationship-building rather than expecting immediate sales.
What payment processing solutions work for taking card payments at consumer events without a UK business entity?
Several members have tested card readers at events without UK business entities. **Square** is the most recommended option—members report it's easy to set up, offers good reporting and functionality, and crucially allows you to input event coordinates to disable location services, which prevents the struggles other systems face in high-volume environments. **Zettle** (via PayPal) requires a UK business entity and members warned it has poor location services that cause problems at busy events. **Stripe** was suggested but not discussed in detail. **TYL by NatWest** was mentioned as a possible option, though members were uncertain whether it requires a UK entity. Members confirmed they are VAT registered, suggesting that registration alone doesn't solve the entity requirement for most providers. The key differentiator for Square is its event-location flexibility—you can manually set coordinates for each venue to avoid GPS drift in crowded spaces.
Is the Casual Dining Show worth exhibiting at, and what quality of leads should we expect?
The Casual Dining Show is inconsistent year-to-year and best approached as a lottery. **2019 was a strong year**, but **2021 was poor**, with one member reporting they secured only a single qualified lead (Hall and Woodhouse) from the entire show, despite significant effort. Most other leads generated did not convert. Members recommend treating it cautiously and not relying on it as a primary lead-generation channel unless you have evidence from recent years that the show demographics align with your target buyers.
What were members' experiences and outcomes from participating in Pub in the Park as a brand activation?
Members reported mixed experiences with Pub in the Park activations. A small number of members participated across multiple formats and locations: - **Marlow location** — participated and shared feedback - **Full season participation** — one member ran the programme across multiple events - **Dual-channel approach (retail + on-trade)** — one member used both a Village retail presence and operated via a Citroën Hvan for on-trade activation, suggesting flexibility in how to structure participation Overall assessment was cautious rather than enthusiastic. Members described conducting careful due diligence and gathering feedback from peers in the group before deciding whether to commit. While some felt it wasn't the right fit for their business strategy, there was willingness to participate in local events closer to home if the opportunity arose. The vague enthusiasm ("interesting", conditional participation) and lack of detailed ROI data shared suggests results were moderate rather than transformative.
What are the typical costs and process for sponsoring major UK festivals like Wilderness?
Sponsoring major UK festivals through operators like Live Nation is expensive and requires careful consideration of what you're actually getting. **Cost & structure:** - **Wilderness (Live Nation/MAMA)** — £50k+ entry fee just for a pitch/patch of grass, with no revenue share on sales. You must sell stock to the festival operator at wholesale rates, making the sponsorship essentially a £50k billboard with no direct sales upside. Setup and decoration costs come on top. - The £50k baseline appears to be Live Nation's standard rate across their festival portfolio. **Bar operations:** - **One Circle** runs the main bars at Wilderness but operators are locked into whatever drinks deals Live Nation has negotiated, limiting independence. - Contact **Nick Bar Nation** — reported to have direct contacts at Wilderness F&B. **Alternatives to paid sponsorship:** - Work grassroots: hand out drinks at station entrances or activate through local pubs near the festival. - Partner with a brand activation agency or existing operator rather than sponsoring directly. - Look for smaller, independent festivals or private events (e.g. launch parties, members clubs) where sponsorship terms are more flexible. **Caveats:** Members consistently flagged Live Nation sponsorship as poor value—you're paying a large fixed cost with minimal return and no control over the customer experience. The "boutique vibe" festivals project masks a commercial structure that heavily favors the operator.
What are the staffing requirements and sales expectations for Costco depot event days?
Costco event days in depots require significant commitment: you must staff the stand yourself for the full day (typically 9:30am–9:30pm), and Costco is strict about presentation standards throughout. You cannot rely on Costco to provide your staff. **Staffing options:** - **Own staff** — Members who ran 9 four-day events across Oct–Dec 2024 found this preferable to third-party suppliers, giving better control and engagement - **Avansa** — A specialist supplier for depot trade-day staffing across cash-and-carry venues; they know the customer base and are well-regarded. Contact via DM in the group - **WDS** (Costco's in-house recommendation) — Available through the link provided, but members found them "a bit 'table with a table'" and less effective than hired promotional staff **Expectations:** - Members described the event schedule as "gruelling" and "brutal" (full 9am–9:30pm days) - One member completed 155 events in late 2023/early 2024 and can advise on specifics - Sales expectations were not quantified in the discussion **Key caveat:** The group felt in-house Costco staff (if available) are not as good as your own or professional promotional teams. Plan for significant internal resource commitment or budget for external staffing.
What sustainable glassware alternatives are available for drinks service?
Members have identified a few emerging options, though none yet offer a complete solution across all drink types. **Edible/Consumable Options:** - **Stroodles** — edible biscuit/wafer cups that work well for coffee-based drinks (hot or cold). Members report they were effective at events, though experienced some leakage when customers ate the cup while the drink was still inside. Not suitable for ice-based cocktails. - **Pernod Ricard portfolio** — the group invested in an edible glassware provider a few years ago; specific product details require further research. - **Mousehall** — reported to have used edible cups at events (specific product details not provided). **Gap in the Market:** Members noted a clear unmet need: no one has yet found a seaweed-based or similar sustainable "glass" product suitable for cocktails and ice-based drinks. This appears to be an opportunity worth exploring.
What payment solutions work well for face-to-face events and activations?
Members recommend several contactless payment options that work reliably at events without requiring dedicated card readers. **Apple Tap to Pay on iPhone** — simple to set up and use directly on your phone. **Square App** — members use this on their phones with no additional readers needed, making it straightforward for event payments. **DOJO** — praised for reliable connection and noted for having good personal customer service support available. **Revolut Tap and Pay on iPhone** — low-fee option that works via your phone. **Shopify POS** — another low-fee alternative mentioned by members. A key practical note: you can take payments without signal for up to 1 hour, which is valuable at events where connectivity may be spotty, though signal loss beyond that window becomes problematic.
Where can founders find suitable Christmas and seasonal market stands?
Members recommend checking **Truman Brewery** in London, which hosts a Christmas bar and food market at the end of November. One member noted they received a sales deck for this event and could forward details, suggesting the organisers actively recruit vendors. This is a useful entry point for brands looking to test seasonal retail activation.
What is the ROI and effectiveness of consumer alcohol trade shows and events for brand awareness and direct bottle sales?
Trade shows are primarily brand awareness plays rather than direct sales drivers, though they can be worthwhile depending on execution. Members' actual experience shows the ROI depends heavily on the type of consumer reached and whether the event includes broadcast or media coverage. **Key findings from member experience:** - **Junipalooza** — one member reported breaking even and gaining Saturday broadcast coverage on a major programme, which they marked as a significant win for 2022 brand visibility - Event effectiveness depends on **type of consumer attracted** and whether bottles actually sell at the event itself; members advise weighing consumer quality against direct sales volume before committing - Broadcast or media coverage (e.g. TV segments) can justify participation even if direct bottle sales are modest **Caveats:** Members acknowledge these events are "more about brand awareness" than ROI on inventory. Direct bottle sales alone may not justify the cost. The decision should factor in secondary benefits like media exposure, brand positioning with a specific consumer demographic, and long-term awareness lift rather than expecting strong same-event transaction ROI.
What industry associations and networking events are available for drinks-industry founders, particularly those looking to connect with the on-trade?
Members recommend a mix of formal industry bodies and community-led events for networking with the on-trade. **Formal associations:** - **British Distillers Association** — mentioned as a relevant membership organisation - **WSTA (Wine and Spirit Trade Association)** — praised for being helpful and supportive - **B Corp** — listed as an industry organisation worth considering **Networking approach:** Members emphasised that the most effective way to network with the on-trade is direct, grassroots engagement: spend time in bars, attend trade shows, and build brands from the bottom up. This hands-on approach is seen as more valuable than relying solely on formal association events. **Community events:** - **Kindred Spirits events** — the Kindred Collective itself hosts networking opportunities, including the Kindred Awards show (annual event) and social outings like golf days, which provide informal networking opportunities with fellow independent drinks founders. **Note:** The discussion suggests on-trade networking is less about formal association-hosted events and more about direct relationship-building in bars and at trade shows, supplemented by founder-community gatherings.
What are the rules for serving and selling gin at Junipalooza, and what should exhibitors expect?
Junipalooza allows exhibitors to serve gin neat and as G&Ts, plus bottle sales on stand and in their retail store. However, **no cocktails** are permitted. Sampling is tightly controlled — exhibitors are limited to pouring **no more than a couple of millilitres per person**. The event typically hosts over 200 expressions, and most visitors want to try as many as possible, so sampling portions are kept minimal to manage stock. Members note that **Junipalooza is primarily a marketing opportunity rather than a profit-driving event**, so exhibitors should manage expectations around direct sales revenue. Bottle sales on the day and in-store placement are the main commercial benefits.
What mobile payment app should we use to take card payments at events?
Members shared experience with a couple of options for event card processing: - **iZettle** — the member asking used this already and was seeking alternatives/validation - **Tyl (NatWest)** — praised for competitive rates and fast settlement (cash arrives the next day) - **Dojo** — mentioned as popular among the group The most specific recommendation came for Tyl, where a member highlighted the lower fee structure compared to iZettle as a key advantage.
What foodie festivals and events have worked well for drinks brands to sample and sell at, and how do members find good opportunities?
Members have found success at foodie festivals and are actively sharing insights on which events deliver manageable, affordable pop-up or bar opportunities. **Key approach:** The community recommends talking directly to members who have recent, hands-on experience at specific festivals. Several members have confirmed they're happy to discuss their successes and failures in detail via call. **What to look for:** - Events with **manageable (affordable) pop opportunities** or dedicated **cocktail-focused bar operations** - Festivals where drinks sampling and direct sales have converted **How to tap the knowledge:** Post in the Kindred Collective asking for a call with members who've worked specific events recently. The community is actively willing to share detailed case studies and lessons learned (both wins and flops) rather than generic festival lists. **Note:** The excerpts don't name specific festivals or provide attendance data, so this entry captures the community's *process* for finding events rather than a curated list. Individual members hold the detailed event intel.
What is the actual ROI and cost-benefit of exhibiting at UK food and beverage festivals like Foodies Festivals or Big Feastival?
Festival ROI is highly dependent on your sales model and the festival format. Members' experience suggests: - **Foodies Festivals** — On-site consumption-focused events where bottle sales performed poorly for one member; better suited if your goal is sampling and brand awareness rather than direct retail sales - **Big Feastival** — Consider shared booth spaces with other brands to split costs and improve economics; members recommend getting direct feedback from previous participants before committing - **Key consideration:** Festival suitability hinges on whether you're optimising for on-site consumption (drinks sampling, events) or retail bottle sales. Members report that festivals designed primarily for consumption-on-site may not deliver strong ROI if your business model relies on direct product sales.
Is Trade Drinks Expo at ExCel London worth attending for alcohol brands?
Members' consensus is strongly negative. The general view is that most trade-related expos at ExCel are not worth the investment. Members described them as part of an 'industry within themselves by events companies to make money' rather than genuinely valuable networking or sales opportunities. One member summarised the feedback from attendees as 'awful', and the group agreed that 'the most are bollocks'. While members acknowledged there may be 'one or two notable industry exceptions', Trade Drinks Expo specifically did not receive any endorsements from those who had direct experience or knowledge of it.
What shrinkage rates and return rates should we expect from reusable cups at events, and does branding affect how many cups get lost or kept?
One Planet One Chance is the recommended supplier for reusable event cups. Members who used them found that **unbranded cups performed better in terms of return rates** compared to branded versions, suggesting that strong branding may actually increase shrinkage as attendees are more likely to keep them as merchandise. The community operates deposit return schemes on reusable cups at events, though specific shrinkage percentages weren't quantified in discussions. Members noted that cup design quality affects theft/loss rates ("how shit hot your design is"), implying premium design increases keepsakes but reduces returns.
What payment solutions work for taking card payments at events outside the UK?
When a UK PDQ terminal won't work at overseas events, members recommend checking with the importer or event organiser for local payment solutions. - **Revolut** — mentioned as a potential solution; worth exploring their international payment capabilities - **SumUp or Zettle (local versions)** — the importer often has access to a local version of these services, which can process payments and handle settlement back to you - **Importer support** — ask the importer you're working with at the event if they can provide a payment solution, as they typically have local payment infrastructure in place and can remit proceeds to you Caveat: The discussion was limited; members were still actively seeking solutions at the time of conversation, suggesting this remains a pain point for the community.
Where can I hire a professional cocktail bartender for a private event?
Members recommend contacting established mobile bar and bartender-hire services in your region. The specific options mentioned: - **Tattam's Bar** — Surrey-based operator offering both individual bartender hire and a full mobile bar service for events. Instagram: @tattamsbar - **Mix and Muddle** — Richard Maxted is recommended as a bartender for hire; worth messaging to check availability. Facebook: www.facebook.com/mixandmuddle Both are worth reaching out to directly to discuss your event requirements and availability.
Should we participate in festival chalets and market activations – are they profitable or primarily a marketing investment?
Festival chalets are typically viewed as marketing exercises rather than profit-generating events, though profitability depends heavily on distribution reach and audience relevance. **Cost structure:** Chalet participation at major festivals like Taste of London typically costs £3,000–£4,000 plus additional expenses (e.g. electricity at ~£1,000), meaning you need to generate £4,000+ in sales over the event to break even. **Revenue potential:** Members estimated realistic sales of around 100 cans/pints per day (roughly £500/day), which over a four-day event would generate £2,000—offsetting only half the costs. Breaking even is difficult unless you're running a high-margin or volume operation. **Attribution approach:** Rather than calculating ROI purely on direct sales, members recommend evaluating whether your target customers can access your brand again after the festival. If your distribution is wide enough that attendees can repurchase elsewhere, the event has brand-building value beyond immediate sales. If distribution is limited to the event location, treat it as a direct revenue calculation and expect a loss. **Bottom line:** Members who tried chalets didn't make money and classified them as valid marketing exercises rather than profit centres. The decision hinges on brand visibility goals and distribution strategy rather than expected sales alone.
What are the typical costs for exhibiting at drinks industry trade shows, and what are the practical logistics (glassware hire, sampling permissions)?
Trade show stand rental typically costs around **£390 ex VAT per square metre**, though members didn't establish whether this is competitive or standard across the sector—it may be worth comparing quotes across shows. **Sampling and selling:** Members discussed whether you can serve/sell drinks at the stand, but the excerpts don't clarify the actual rules; this varies by event and venue, so confirm with the show organiser. **Glassware hire options** (London-based and wider): - **Hey Bartender** — members recommend for glassware hire; contact Haps Dhand for details - **Arnold Walker** (https://arnoldwalker.co.uk) — used by members - **A-Z Reliant** — recommended - **Casablanca Hire** — recommended - **Jones Hire** (https://joneshire.co.uk/front/section.php?id=1linen/) — offers linen and event hire - **Rayners** (https://rayners.co.uk/glassware/) — glassware specialist No specific pricing was shared in the discussion. The excerpts don't detail customised wooden gift boxes suppliers, despite a member asking—check back if that was answered elsewhere.
What is the return on investment for running a bar or stand at Pub in the Park events?
Members' experiences with Pub in the Park events vary significantly by location. **Marlow was described as superb**, but most other venues have been reported as poor value. The core issue: attendees are primarily there to drink and eat the on-site offerings and listen to music, rather than seeking out new brands or producers. This limits footfall and engagement for stand operators, making ROI highly location-dependent. Members recommend evaluating each specific event's expected attendance, demographics, and drinking culture before committing, rather than assuming consistent returns across the season.
What are the licensing requirements for serving alcohol at trade shows and events like BCB?
You need to obtain an alcohol serving licence for trade shows and events, even if you're only handing out small samples. Members report that local authorities are actively checking compliance. - **Local authority licensing** — Required for serving alcohol at events like trade shows; check with your local authority for specific requirements and fees. Members have paid around €160 for event licences at major trade shows like BCB. - **Exemption threshold** — Only very small serves (samples) may be exempt, but confirmation with your local authority is essential before assuming an exemption applies.
What public liability insurance coverage and classification do I need for Christmas markets and event activations?
Members recommend securing **£5M of public liability cover** as a minimum—this is required by many event organisers. Several insurers and brokers have been used by the community: - **Simply Business** (simplybusiness.co.uk) — easy to deal with and competitive pricing - **FSB** — recommended as a route for cover - **CMTIA** (cmtia.co.uk) — described as "the bog standard" option, though verify they cover your specific event type before applying One member reported that CMTIA initially said they don't provide event cover, so confirm coverage explicitly when applying—don't assume. Another member noted they obtained £5M cover through a broker and believed it covered events, but recommend double-checking the policy wording. **Key caveat:** Classification and specific event coverage terms vary by insurer and event type. Contact brokers directly to confirm your Christmas market or activation qualifies under their policies before committing.
What are the realistic revenue prospects for participating in industry pub and trade events?
Revenue from pub and trade events is inconsistent and depends heavily on event selection and format. Members report a **feast or famine** pattern when simply selling bottles, making it difficult to turn a profit unless you commit significant budget to running a full bar operation. **Tom Kerridge Pub in the Park** (specifically the Marlow location) was highlighted as one of the few events worth considering, though even then cash flow can be unpredictable. Events like **Brew LDN** are attended primarily for brand visibility and networking rather than direct revenue generation—members use them as opportunities to connect with other industry founders and host post-event social gatherings rather than rely on bar sales. The value appears to be more in relationship-building and brand presence than immediate financial return.
Is sponsoring a Taste of London stand worth the investment for a new brand launch, and what are the alternatives?
Members who have run bars at Taste London over multiple years rate it highly as a launch vehicle, especially for reaching a mix of trade buyers, foodies, and consumers. However, positioning is critical—the event attracts many brands and it's easy to get lost in the crowd. **Key findings:** - **Taste of London** — rated "always v successful" by members with bar placements (combo of buyers/foodies/customers & events scouting for new brands). The £1.5k stand cost mentioned is reasonable for this reach, but a bar placement is preferable to sampling-only if budget allows. - **Positioning matters** — with so many brands present, visibility and location within the event heavily influence success. Invest thought in booth placement/activation. - **Alternative events to consider** — Members also recommend **Pub in the Park**, **Hampton Court**, and **The big Feastival** as parallel sponsorship opportunities with similar audience quality. - **Sampling vs. bar placement** — Bars drove stronger results for existing members than sampling alone, suggesting if choosing between a stand-only or upgraded bar option, the latter may justify the extra cost. **Caveat:** Success depends heavily on how well you stand out and engage buyers. The event itself is proven; execution and positioning determine ROI.
What are the practical limits on product sampling at UK trade shows and industry events, and how much stock should be planned?
Members report that the regulatory limit for spirit samples is **maximum 5ml per serve**, though enforcement appears minimal in practice. On actual stock consumption at events, experience varies widely depending on format and duration. **Sampling volumes reported:** - **1500 samples** at a major event (edited from original estimate, suggesting this is a realistic mid-range figure) - **~4200 people sampled** across 2 days from a single SKU, calculated at approximately 5ml serves from a 70cl bottle (allowing for multiple tastes per person) - **30 bottles across 2 days** for a single SKU as another data point **Key tactical insight:** - Serving chilled samples (one member used a chiller at minus 15°C) was noted as working well and likely affects how much people consume - Multiple people trying a sample multiple times should be factored in when planning stock - No hard enforcement of the 5ml limit was observed by members, but this remains the stated regulatory maximum **Note:** The wide range in stock consumption suggests the event format, serving method, duration, and number of attendees are critical variables. Members recommend starting with conservative stock estimates and adjusting based on footfall.
What are cost-effective ways to transport portable bar and marketing assets without paying expensive courier fees?
Members report that expensive asset transport (often £500+ single way) can be significantly reduced by investing in portable, modular equipment designed for easy courier shipment. **Recommended approach:** - **Rapid Bars** — portable bar units that arrive in wheelie cases and can be transported via standard couriers like DHL at a fraction of the cost. Multiple members have purchased these and confirmed they fit in the back of a normal car, making them suitable for trade shows and small events. These eliminate the need for expensive bespoke logistics on each transport. **Key principle:** The cost savings come from switching to assets that are inherently transportable by standard parcel/courier services rather than requiring specialist haulage. Members emphasize choosing equipment that's easy to assemble on-site.
Where can members find low-key event venues in central London for casual drinks parties with live music?
Members have recommended a few central London venues that work well for informal drinks events with live music: - **SAMA Bankside** — used successfully for a launch party - **The Ministry in Borough** — described as "pretty sick" for this type of event One member also noted they have available space in Brighton if a splinter event appeals. For sourcing venues more broadly, members recommend contacting **Piers**, a serviced office broker in central London who can help identify suitable spaces (07877727267).
What process should be followed to conduct health and safety risk assessments for mobile bar operations at events?
For a first mobile bar event, the event organiser will typically request formal Health & Safety and Fire risk assessments. Members recommend starting with a template rather than building from scratch. **Risk assessment templates** (such as the 2019 version shared in the community) are available and can be adapted to your specific setup, significantly reducing the time needed to produce a compliant document. If you're new to the process, reaching out to other members who have already completed assessments for similar operations is the quickest route—many are willing to share their completed assessments as a starting point, which is much faster than creating one from blank.