One Of UK's Largest Pub Chains Increasing Price Of Pint By 45p
Marston's Brewery, one of the UK's largest pub chains, is increasing the price of some of its products by as much as 45p amid an increase in operating costs.
There are more than 1,500 Marston's pubs around the UK with prices varying in different areas across the country, but customers across the board will feel the hit of the price increases when they come into place.
Products are set to increase in price by between 20p and 45p, meaning some pubgoers will have to fork out £4 per pint for the first time.
The current average cost of a pint is £3.96, with areas in the Midlands and North ranging between £3.83 and £3.91.
Customers in Leeds currently have the best bargain with a pint coming in at £3.83, while it costs £3.86 in Coventry, £3.87 in Sheffield and £3.91 in Northampton.
Unsurprisingly, drinkers in London have to fork over the most for their pint with the average price coming in at a whopping £6. The drink costs £4.46 in Birmingham, £4.48 in Liverpool, £4.52 in Bristol and £5.10 in Edinburgh.
Though the increase will no doubt be met with frustration from customers, a spokesperson for Marston's indicated it is unavoidable, as they told LADbible: "The currently inflationary pressures have been well documented by the media, the price increase is a direct impact of the soaring energy prices and operating costs as being experienced by all businesses and households across the country."
Draught ale has seen its biggest price jump since records began this year, according to the Office for National Statistics, with the average pint price costing 6% more compared to the pre-pandemic cost of £3.73.
Lord Bilimoria, the founder of popular brand Cobra Beer, offered an insight as to how inflation has impacted the price of beer during an interview with BBC Radio 5 live's Wake Up to Money programme last month, as he explained costs have risen in numerous areas of the supply chain.
"Our input costs in every way - bottling, energy - are up," he explained, adding: "Freight costs have soared, sometimes 10 times. Wages are increasing and on top of that there are labour shortages. It does mean that businesses have to put up prices. But the consumer is already feeling the squeeze. It is a really challenging situation for everyone."
In its Spring Statement released this month, the government said it had 'already taken significant steps to help with the cost of living', including 'a cut to the Universal Credit taper rate and increases to work allowances... the £9 billion package announced in February to help households with rising energy bills this year; and freezing alcohol duties and fuel duty to keep costs down'.
Emily Brown