Running a successful bar or restaurant requires more than just a great location and a talented team—it demands expert curation, seamless operations, and a touch of innovation. The UK boasts a vibrant hospitality scene, and behind the success of many bars and restaurants are expert beverage consultants. These firms specialise in everything from menu design and cocktail curation to staff training and operational strategy. Whether launching a new venue or refining an existing one, these consultants offer tailored solutions to optimise performance and profitability. Here are some of the top beverage consultancy firms in the UK.

1. Wilde Toast Bar Consultancy

Wilde Toast Bar Consultancy specializes in crafting unique cocktail menus, developing innovative bar concepts, and implementing systems to streamline bar operations. Whether you need one-off bartender training or a complete bar makeover, they tailor their services to both independent and large-scale hospitality clients. Their expertise has earned them recognition in over 70 major publications, including The Telegraph, GQ, and Stylist. If you’re looking to elevate your bar program with creativity and precision, Wilde Toast is a go-to consultancy.

2. JME Drinks Consultancy

Founded by industry veteran Jenny Mary Elliott in 2019, JME Drinks Consultancy offers strategic solutions for drinks brands at all stages of growth. From trade marketing activations to talent scouting and sales strategy, JME ensures that brands gain a strong foothold in the on-trade sector. Their field sales team drives brand awareness, wins distribution, and accelerates sales, while their tailored recruitment approach develops the next generation of drinks industry professionals.

3. Speciality Drinks

Established by the founders of The Whisky Exchange, Speciality Drinks is renowned for its expertise in spirits consultancy. They provide bespoke solutions for bars, restaurants, and hotels, curating spirits lists, designing cocktail menus, and offering expert advice to enhance beverage programs. Their focus on high-quality service and deep industry knowledge has made them a trusted name for both independent venues and high-end hospitality establishments.

4. Think Hospitality

Think Hospitality is a global consultancy firm that advises restaurant, bar, and catering groups on strategic growth. With a team spread across the UK, UAE, Estonia, and Denmark, they bring international insight into market trends and operational best practices. Whether businesses aim to scale managed stores, expand through franchising, or diversify offerings, Think Hospitality provides data-driven solutions to ensure long-term success in an evolving industry.

5. Coxtails

Coxtails delivers end-to-end bar consultancy services for the hospitality and events industry. Their offerings include bar design, equipment recommendations, till system integration, and staff training. Their team of seasoned bar consultants stays ahead of trends, ensuring clients receive cutting-edge advice. Coxtails also specializes in crafting profitable, location-specific drinks menus, complete with pricing strategies and comprehensive training to maintain quality and consistency behind the bar.

6. Five Star Bar Company

Known for its world-class bartender training programs, Five Star Bar Company helps bars and restaurants refine their service and elevate their drinks offerings. They provide tailored training solutions, ranging from fundamental skills for new bartenders to advanced cocktail techniques for seasoned professionals. Their consultancy services also support new openings, bar redesigns, and operational restructuring, ensuring efficiency and profitability in a competitive industry.

7. HSA Bar Consultancy

HSA Bar Consultancy is dedicated to maximizing bar revenue through smart staffing, pricing, and product placement strategies. Their consultants assist with bar openings, providing hands-on support in stock management, equipment sourcing, and licensing compliance. Whether you need help recruiting the right staff, setting optimal drink prices, or training your team on service excellence, HSA offers practical, results-driven solutions to optimize bar performance.

The UK’s leading beverage consultancy firms bring a wealth of expertise to the hospitality industry, ensuring that bars and restaurants operate efficiently while delivering top-tier drinks programs. Whether you’re launching a new venue or refining your existing operations, these consultancies offer invaluable support to help your business thrive.

Header image sourced from Adobe Stock Images.

Also Read:
UK Spirits Consumption Trends: The Shift Toward Low-Alcohol, Sparkling Wines, and RTDs 
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