Caterer and Hotelkeeper – 30501
ManchesterWine Fair
THE new Manchester wine fair seems to be catching on with distributors who supply restaurants. Many of themare based in the south and west of England andfeature regularly in this column. So the fair provides northerners with an opportunity to meet face-to- face companies such as Michael Druitt, Lawlers, Mondial Wines, Moreno Wines and Tanners.
For people who like the idea of serving English wine, growers such as Carr Taylor, Chiddingstone, Chilton Valley, Lamberhurst and Three Choirs have already applied for space.
There is a programme of tutored tastings taking place throughout the fair.
The fair is being held at the Piccadilly Hotel, Manchester on 21 and 22 March. There is an entry fee of £12 and tickets are only available to those involved in buying for their business. Entry fees will not be charged to those who book in advance. Details from Trades Exhibitions, tel: 071-610 3001.
500 years of Scotch
AS A promotional themefor your bar, why not take advantage of the Quincentenary of Scotch whisky, which occurs this year. It is claimed whisky was first distilled on any scale as long ago as 1494.
Evidence is an entry in Scottish Exchequer Rolls for that year, which reads: "Eight bolls of malt to Friar John Cor, wherewith to make aqua vitae."
According to Highland Spring, which is helping to celebrate the anniversary, eight bolls would be enough to make 1,500 bottles.
The Scotch Whisky Association is planning celebrations all over the world with the support of Highland Spring mineral water. Considering its source, it would seem a highly appropriate partnership.
