HRC launches Brewery Street and Distillery Street to champion independent drinks businesses

HRC, part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, has announced the launch of two new features, Brewery Street and Distillery Street, for 2027, creating new opportunities for independent drinks businesses to connect with pub and hospitality operators. 

Taking place alongside HRC from 5-7 April 2027 at Excel London, the new features will bring together independent producers and emerging brands, helping buyers discover distinctive drinks and meet the people behind them. 

For exhibitors, the dedicated areas offer an accessible platform to showcase products, build relationships with hospitality buyers and explore opportunities for new listings and wider distribution. For operators, they provide a chance to taste products, discuss practical requirements and find suppliers who can bring something fresh to their drinks offer. 

Brewery Street will showcase the breadth of the independent brewing sector, welcoming craft and regional breweries, small-batch producers and low and no-alcohol beer brands, alongside cider producers. From IPAs and pale ales to lagers, stouts and porters, the feature will help publicans and buyers explore new options for their taps and fridges. 

Distillery Street will celebrate independent spirits businesses, including artisan gin and vodka producers, rum and whisky brands, liqueur makers and small-batch distillers. The area will also welcome Cocktail Keg Company, giving visitors an opportunity to explore how its cocktails can support speed and consistency of service. 

Jo Farish, Event Manager for HRC, comments: “Independent drinks businesses bring so much creativity and character to the pub sector, but getting products in front of the right buyers can be a challenge. Brewery Street and Distillery Street are designed to make those connections easier, giving producers a dedicated platform to tell their stories, showcase their products and develop new commercial relationships. 

“For operators, this is an opportunity to meet the makers and discover drinks that can help their venues stand out. We want buyers to leave with new ideas for their drinks menus and suppliers they’re excited to work with.” 

Anna Sebastian Managing Director of Anna Sebastian Hospitality Ltd and HRC Ambassador, adds: "I'm really excited to be part of the HRC show this year and support the team in bringing the Distillery and Brewery Streets to life.  We are looking to partner with a range of brands from small independent brands to global established products to showcase a wide offering. HRC is the perfect place to be present due to its wide audience, business and networking opportunities with like-minded people and potential clients."

Among the businesses confirmed for Distillery Street is Belfast-founded Cocktail Keg Company, which will demonstrate how its different cocktail formats can work for venues with varying service volumes. 

Paul Burns and Anthony Farrell, Founders of Cocktail Keg Company (CKC), exhibiting in Distillery Street, say: “We can talk about CKC all day, but the best sales pitch we've got is putting a drink in someone's hand. 

“We want people to come onto the stand, taste the cocktails and then understand the operational side of what we're doing. If you're running a busy venue, we'll show you how quickly you can serve a proper cocktail, how consistent that serve can be and how the different CKC formats can work depending on your volume. 

“We're incredibly proud that CKC started in Belfast, but we've got much bigger ambitions for the brand. Distillery Street is a great opportunity for us to show the wider UK hospitality industry what we've been building.” 

Both features will offer branded exhibition packages, helping independent businesses present their products in a professional setting and focus on conversations with prospective customers. 

To find out more about exhibiting at Brewery Street or Distillery Street, or visiting HRC, head to hrc.co.uk.