Beer prices in London almost triple that of Northern cities
Beer drinkers in the UK are experiencing a clear North-South divide, with pints costing nearly three times more in London than in other parts of the country. The average pint in the cheapest town, Consett in Co Durham, is a mere £2.65, while pints in the capital cost a staggering £6.63 on average. The stark gap in beer prices has been revealed in a recent analysis conducted by data consultancy CGA, which examined prices at 5,500 pubs and bars in 850 areas.
Cheap pints up North: Where to find them
The study identified several Northern towns where pints can be enjoyed for less than £3. Alongside Consett, Blaydon in Tyne and Wear, Ferryhill in Co Durham, and Dalton-In-Furness in Cumbria offer pints below this price threshold. In contrast, eight out of the ten most expensive areas for pints, priced at £6.35 or more, are located in London. The remaining two pricey areas, Virginia Water in Surrey and Great Missenden in Buckinghamshire, are villages situated close to the capital.
Reasons for the stark disparity
The price differences between North and South can largely be attributed to varying business rates, rents, and wages, according to experts. Paul Bolton from CGA commented on the North-South divide, stating, "There are a number of reasons…but it is ultimately also down to what consumers are willing to pay in those areas." However, the situation is not completely binary. Bolton explained, "A pint in the centre of Manchester is likely to cost significantly more than one just seven miles away in Hyde."
Rising costs contribute to price hike
Pint prices are not just influenced by regional disparities but are also on the rise across the UK. Jane Peyton from drinking website the School of Booze noted that rising costs for ingredients like barley, energy, and delivery are contributing to the overall price increase. Peyton shared an anecdote, saying, "When ordering a beer in the North I’ve often questioned the price and said, ‘I asked for a pint not a half,’ and they laugh and say, ‘This is not London’."
