This morning I heard the Queen popped in to one of Dublin’s most infamous Guinness breweries, but declined to sample an offered pint despite being urged to “Go on!” I guess the ‘black stuff’ isn’t to every ladies taste, particularly a lady of such grace and sophistication. The onlooker’s suggestion that it was too early in the morning for a tipple was probably the most sensible decision, although personally I think she could have at least agreed to a cheeky swig? Today we recognise Guinness for its miraculous award winning advertisement’s, driven by its iconic logo and distinctive...

Did you see the Golden Globe Awards the other night? It was the 67th year, but the first that the star-studded ceremony had seen a host for 15 years.   An unlikely choice of host was Briton’s own Ricky Gervais, who had the nerve racking honour of keeping banter levels high. His targets included Sir Paul McCartney, Angelina Jolie, Steve Carrell, TV network NBC and the Hollywood smart set in general.   My favourite line of the night was: “Looking at all the faces here makes me remember all the great work that’s been done this year by cosmetic surgeons,” he joked.   He went down a...

One of the most popular promotional products are branded ceramics, something that the people at The Mugstore are experts on. However they have recently added a new range of printed glassware on their site, with the bar and café market specifically in mind.   Having branded glassware will add that something extra to the presentation of customers drinks, and to the feel of the business as a whole. The Mugstore can offer any branded glass you could think off, but this affordable range has been specifically added due to their great value for money.   My personal favourites are the cooler range, not...

 The latest mover and shaker in the world of promotions is Carlsberg, who are about to embark on a whopping £7m marketing campaign for San Miguael. This will be the first campaign since Carlsberg took over all marketing responsibilities from the brand last year. It all kicks off on the 9th of May with TV ads, which will run alongside outdoor, print and cinema activity. There will also be some “experimental” activity going on at train stations…   The lager is promoting itself along the line of “Not a quick beer”, with the aim of marketing itself alongside world or luxury beers. With the...

The drinks industry has understandably voiced their concern over the Scottish government’s proposal to take further action to try to curb their all encompassing drinking culture.   The government is proposing a minimum price per unit, as well new restrictions on using promotional incentives and point of sale materials. As GMTV this morning pointed out; “pubs were literally on their knees”, I’m not sure about that,  but times are no doubt tough for the pub trade. Is this the end for promotional products linked with Scottish drinks industry? Will we be seeing the last of an engraved whiskey...

For any self respecting Scott, Saturday night was one of the biggest nights of the year (like they need an excuse to party). Burns night is something of an institution over the border, with everyone getting merry and taking the opportunity to celebrate the life and work of their national Bard.  Having (more than) a few drams of Scottish malt whisky and wolfing down haggis, neeps and tatties certainly sounds like a good night in to me.    Personally I can take or leave the piping precessions that lead up to the real business of all the eating and drinking. A burns night wouldn’t be a Burns night...