From Red Stripe to Guinness and a dash of Hofmeister, Tommy Higgs and Mike Dove share their pub passions, industry hopes, and why The Pub Show is firmly in their 2026 diary. Expect candid insights, industry camaraderie, and plenty to raise a glass to.

What’s your go-to pub order? And where is your favourite spot to enjoy it?  

Tommy: As a man of simple pleasures, it’s a nice pint of Guinness or ale in the winter and crisp lager in the summer. I love a Bev at one of our closest friends pub 'The Eagle Tavern' it’s as classic a pub as you can get 

Mike: If I had my way and if it was readily available, it would be a nice cold pint of Super Bock or Sagres, I love Portuguese beer. However, in the absence of that it would have to be a Red Stripe (although Tommy and I have become a little partial to a drop of Hofmeister thanks to the BII events!) I’m in total agreeance with Tommy about where to enjoy a beer or two. It has to be the Tavern with our dear friends the Spinks!

What’s one thing you think every great pub should have (besides a good pint)?

Tommy: A toilet 

Mike: A great atmosphere that is welcoming to everyone and cool lighting!!

What trend or innovation in the pub industry are you most excited about right now?  

Tommy: As usual our wonderful Government loves to tax us on absolutely everything, including for the last year glass. So, we installed the London Essence tonic machine. It’s sustainable, cheaper, creates less waste and looks epic!

Mike: The industry as a whole. It’s coming together to take on the Government as they try to systematically destroy ‘The Great British Pub’. In the darkest of times, the hospitality sector has never been more together and through weight in numbers and unity it will prevail.

Which fellow industry professional would you like to share a pint with at the Show?  

Tommy: Always a tough one but I’ve thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the BII's Steve Alton over the last few months and that man is an absolute machine for what he does for the industry, I’ve been lucky enough to share many with him and cheers to a few more (2nd is my right hand man Mike of course but I see him every day)

Mike: Yes, a tough question. As Tommy mentioned Steve and all the guys at the BII are absolute legends and we have shared a number of beers with them. I’d be keen to have a beer with Chris Welham from the LTC and as a huge cricket fan, I’d love to share a Bev with ex England cricketer Harry Gurney the MD of the Cat & Wickets Pub Co and talk cricket and pubs. A great combo!

Why should people make The Pub Show part of their 2026 plans?

Mike & Tommy: It’s an absolutely epic event that is dedicated to our amazing industry! Also, we’ll both be there so that means laughs, pints, blisters and a good old chin wag!!

Register for your free trade pass to The Pub Show here, taking place on 30 March - 01 April 2026 at Excel London, you don't want to miss it!