The Price of a Pint: Would You Pay £7.50 for Guinness?

Introduction

In the quaint town of Market Rasen, the Advocate Arms is facing a dilemma that resonates with many publicans across the UK. With the price of a pint of Guinness potentially rising to £7.50, the landlord, Matthew Horsfield, has opened up the discussion to his patrons: how much is too much for a beloved beverage?

Rising Costs

The Advocate Arms currently charges £6 for a pint of Guinness. However, due to what Horsfield describes as a "significant rise" from Diageo, the brand's distributor, a price increase seems imminent. This raises the question: are customers prepared to pay more, and what does that say about their relationship with local pubs?

"We wanted to see what customers thought and what they would like to see, and weigh up our options," said Horsfield.

Industry Insight

Diageo has stated that while they strive to keep price increases minimal, the reality of the supply chain means adjustments are necessary. This is reflective of a broader trend affecting the hospitality industry, as inflation, rising operational costs, and supply chain issues continue to squeeze publicans.

The Consumer Perspective

A survey conducted among residents in nearby Barton revealed diverse opinions on the prospective price hike. Some patrons expressed their willingness to pay a premium for quality, while others voiced dissatisfaction with escalating costs.

• Joshua Kelly, 26, noted, "You see a lot of IPAs priced at £6.50 to £7, but I'd prefer to stay under £5.50 for a pint of lager."
• Carol Jacklin, another local patron, stated, "I am totally shocked, no wonder pubs are closing."

The Impact on Pubs

The conversation doesn't stop at just one pub in Market Rasen. The chairman of the Campaign for Real Ale, Ash Corbett-Collins, pointed out the struggles many establishments face. "Pubs are in a situation where they must raise prices or face closure," he laments. Such pressures mean that for many customers, enjoying a pint at their local is becoming a luxury.

"The ever-increasing price of a pint means supporting your local is becoming unaffordable for many pubgoers," Corbett-Collins added.

As we explore these rising prices, it's essential to understand the cyclical nature of cost in the pub industry. Each increase at the supplier level trickles down to the publican, who then has to decide how much to pass on to the consumer.

Historical Context

The price of beer in the UK has seen a staggering increase over the decades. Data from The Office for National Statistics reveals that in 1987, a pint of draught lager was less than £1. By 2000, it had escalated to £2, and in 2025, the average had climbed to £4.83.

A Wider Community Problem

The ramifications extend beyond personal budgets. The UK government recently announced a 15% discount on business rates for pubs, a welcomed relief but perhaps not enough. Pubs are not just businesses; they are community hubs, symbols of social interaction and local identity. Therefore, their sustainability is crucial.

Government Support Needed

Urgent intervention from the government is necessary to support local establishments. Corbett-Collins advocates for a reduction in national insurance contributions, VAT on food and drink, and lower duty charged on pints in pubs. Without this, many publicans will continue to face impossible choices.

Conclusion

As we face the prospect of a pint pushing past the £7 mark, it's essential to consider what this means for the future of our pubs. The Advocate Arms is one of many grappling with this challenge, and as consumers, we must weigh our choices carefully. Support your local pub, but also advocate for the changes necessary to ensure they can remain an integral part of our communities.