According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), in the last year the average cost of a pint of draught lager increased by 6% while the average cost of a bitter rose by 8%. This represented an inflation rate of 30% and 26% for both items, respectively.  

Furthermore, between September and October 2022, the cost of these drinks grew by 0.5%, which resulted in an average price of £4.13 for a pint of larger and £3.53 for a pint of bitter. 

A combination of rising energy, fuel and material costs, severe staff shortages, inflation in beer ingredients prices and the soaring cost of living has affected not only pubs and customers, but also independent and small brewers.  

As a result, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) is concerned about consumers not being able to afford a pint in local pubs which could cause a major disruption to UK businesses. 

Neil Walker, Head of Comms & Marketing of the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA), commented: 

"It's vital consumers support small brewers, buy local and get out and support their local brewery taproom, where prices can often be competitively priced as brewers are selling direct and you can be certain of the freshest, best quality ever."

Marketing analysts predicted that a pint could cost over £10 by 2030 due to the ongoing economic crisis. Moreover, Tom Stainer, Chief Executive of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said that this situation could get unrealistic with pubs selling pints for £20 if they align their prices with current inflation and energy costs.