Beer is the driving force behind the spike in the popularity of low and no alcohol alternatives – but more must be done to bring labelling in line with Europe.

The Surrey brewer is promoting its flagship ale, TEA (Traditional English Ale), this January with a campaign that encourages people to get down the pub and has also announced it is building the first traditional style kiln to be constructed in over 100 years.

A hot summer and new flavoured gins drove record sales of the spirit in pubs and bars last year, according to a report by the Wine and Spirit Trade Association (WSTA).

People are going out a little less but reach deeper into their pockets when they do.

The Pubco has teamed up with some of the UK's biggest drinks producers to run the promotion in a bid to boost pubs sales this January.

The latest data from the Vianet Draught Insight Report suggests that of the 13,000 barrels of beer sold on the last Friday before Christmas last year, 4,000 barrels were poured at either the wrong temperature or through unclean lines.

For over half of adults planning to drink alcohol at Christmas, the tipple of choice is spirits, according to research undertaken by Britvic last year, which focused on festive drinking habits. 

Stryyk Not Vodka joins Stryyk Not Gin and Stryyk Not Rum this month, aimed at teetotallers and those cutting down on alcohol.

The 0.5 per cent ABV version of Old Speckled Hen reflects "changing lifestyles and the consumer landscape embracing healthier living," said brewer Greene King

Phil Whiteman of The Old Bell Inn, Saddleworth, Greater Manchester has bought a £4,000 gin to add to his record-breaking collection of gins.