Price of a pint of beer jumps by 50p in just one year as cost of living continues to hit hard

The average price of a pint of beer has increased by 50p in just one year as the cost of living continues to take its toll in the UK.

According to data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) the price of a pint of beer has jumped by about 50p in just over 12 months. Taking into account the regional variations, on average, pub-goers face paying a price of about £4.56 for a pint of draught lager.

In May last year, the same drink cost on average around £4.07, 47p cheaper, according to the ONS. Month on month, draught lager saw a 0.5% rise from £4.54 in April 2023, meaning the average price tag of a pint has jumped 11% over the last year.

This is the second consecutive month that draught lager prices had risen by 11% year on year. Over the same time period, the price of a draught pint of bitter rose from £3.50 to £3.80.

If the trend continues, the average price of a pint of lager in the UK could surpass £5 by next year. The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) national chairman Nik Antona said that the latest ONS data was "worrying".

Stock drinking picture, photo from Johnny Green PA Images

He said: "It is clear just how much households will struggle to afford a night out at their local pub, social club or taproom. With energy bills for businesses spiralling and the cost of goods and employing staff rocketing too, pubs - and the breweries that service them - have no choice but to put prices up to make ends meet, despite doing everything they can to continue to welcome their loyal customers."