The cost of a pint of beer has reached an eye-watering £9 at a bar in London’s West End.
This surge in prices reflects a larger trend where the average cost of a pint has doubled over the past 15 years.
Industry tracker CGA’s Paul Bolton noted that these high prices aren’t limited to super-strong or exotic craft beers; they are the standard rates for draught pints. The most affordable pint, found in a survey of 90,000 drinking establishments, was priced at £1.85 in Hyde, Greater Manchester.
The UK’s average pint price has steadily risen over the years, hitting £4.30, compared to £2.30 in 2008. Had pint prices kept pace with inflation for consumer goods, the cost would be around £3.55.
CGA regularly monitors prices at hospitality venues across the UK, and this latest survey covers data from the 12 weeks leading up to August 5.
The significant price hikes have been attributed to increased costs for brewers, particularly due to rising energy and grain expenses following the commencement of the Ukraine war.
Research also indicates that only one in ten people believe a visit to the pub with friends is affordable. Nik Antona, from the Campaign for Real Ale, has called for the government to reduce the “huge burden” on brewers and pubs in response to these escalating costs.
