Traditionally when we talk about pairings, wine or beer springs to mind, often alongside a luxurious degustation or tapas dishes. Whether it’s a rich red alongside perfectly cooked beef, or the latest craft beer offering adding fruity notes to a pasta dish, foodies are used to certain combinations of food and alcohol on restaurant menus. Which is why sommeliers and chefs around the world are delving into the world of unique pairings - whether it’s gin, whiskey, mocktails, tea, or even vodka. 

While many venues - particularly family-friendly restaurants and bars - have mock cocktails on their drink lists already, many don’t quite get them right or give them the respect that they deserve. Alcoholic cocktails may always be the favorite when it comes to your venue’s clientele, but that doesn’t mean that the humble mocktail should be undervalued or added to your drinks offerings as an afterthought. 

It’s the second most consumed beverage in the world after water, yet tea is rarely given center stage. However, more and more restaurants, bars and hotels around the world are extending their tea lists beyond the classic English Breakfast or Oolong to accommodate for customers who can’t or don’t wish to drink alcohol or coffee, and to follow in the footsteps of venues that are rapidly gaining in popularity due to their tea menus.

You get to work like any other normal day, and there is a slew of notifications from major review platforms. Customers have been reviewing their stay, their meals, the service, the atmosphere. Most of the reviews are positive, and you’re feeling pretty chuffed. Then suddenly, you come across a negative review: a thumbs down, one star, maybe it’s in capitals. Your stomach drops, and you start to sweat a little. How are you going to respond? Should you reply at all?