UK pint prices up 36% since last World Cup – here's why

An important development from the financial markets: UK pint prices up 36% since last World Cup – here's why3 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleDave HarveyBusiness and environment correspondent, WestBBC"Everything's gone up," say Ronnie and Nathan Freeman, who run a sport bar in BristolThe price of a pint in UK pubs has risen sharply since the last World Cup, outpacing inflation. So what's behind the increase – and where is the money going? With millions of England and Scotland fans expected to flock to pubs over the next six weeks, many may be wondering why beer prices have climbed so steeply since Harry Kane led England out at Qatar 2022.

On average, the price of a pint has risen by about £1. 50 – an increase of 36% – over the past four years. By comparison, overall inflation over the same period was around 16%.

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Nathan Freeman, landlord of a sports bar in Bristol, said: "Everything going into the pint has gone up, to be honest with you. "So how did a pint get so expensive? The Industry bar in Bristol was packed with fans when England played in Qatar in 2022Nathan and his brother Ronnie Freeman run the Industry bar on Gloucester Road in Bristol.

Four years ago, it was packed with fans watching England play at the World Cup in Qatar. "It's a big deal for us," Nathan said. "The place will be rammed, the bar will be busy, we just need England to put on a good run for us – quarter-finals at least.

"But since Gareth Southgate coached his last match in 2024 - this time after the European Championships - the Freemans' business has faced a series of rising costs. Recovering from the Covid pandemic, the brothers then faced the spike in energy bills from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Then the Chancellor put up national insurance contributions on their staff, widening the net to capture virtually every part-time bar worker.

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More from BristolAfghan men 'fled UK in lorry after raping girl'Baby's rare cancer changed family's life says mum'Lack of concentration' caused fatal lorry flip"Every hurdle we've jumped, there's been something else round the corner waiting for us," Nathan explained. Like a striker attempting to weave around defenders in the box, the brothers have had to dodge and weave to stay upright and it has meant some tough decisions. "We've streamlined a little bit, the kitchen's taken a hit," Ronnie said.

"We've wound down our kitchen, it was natural for us to cut that and focus on what is front runner for the business, which is drinks sales. "Pint prices rising faster than inflationOn average, two pubs are closing every day according to the industry body, the British Beer and Pub Association (BPPA). "The cost of doing business for our pubs and breweries is going ever upwards," said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BPPA.

As their costs rise, so the prices they charge have gone up. Back in 2006, David Beckham led England in the tournament in Germany. The so-called 'Golden Generation' failed to deliver on the pitch, losing to Portugal on penalties.

Economists are analysing what the news means for the markets.