London’s leading share index fell into the red today despite figures confirming a stronger-than-expected economic recovery in the final quarter of 2009.

British pubs operator Punch Taverns today looked forward to World Cup glory for Sven’s men this summer as it looked to build on a strong start to the year.

Punch Taverns agreed to sell 205 of its pubs today after the UK’s biggest operator reviewed its estate in the wake of a £2.7bn (€4bn) deal.

The UK’s second-biggest pubs chain today snapped up more than 1,000 community pubs in a deal worth £335m (€598.8m).

The head of leading pub firm JD Wetherspoon was today named as the most influential person in the drinks industry.