Price Increases during Popular Hours Leave Customers Fuming
Pub-goers have expressed their frustration and disappointment as many pubs have recently introduced peak-time price hikes. Stonegate Pubs, which owns 4,500 establishments across the UK, has adopted a "dynamic pricing" tactic that sees prices rise from 5pm to 7pm. This move has drawn comparisons to airlines and hotels, but some drinkers feel it is just driving away their regulars and emptying their local pubs.
Midweek Evenings and Weekends Hit Hardest
Stonegate Pubs has been charging higher prices during midweek early evenings and weekends. For example, at The Coach House in central London, the price of a pint of Peroni jumps from £7.05 to £7.60 during these peak hours. This strategy follows Stonegate's controversial decision last year to introduce a £1 surcharge during World Cup games, which caused an uproar.
Drinkers Struggle with Rising Costs
The price hikes come at a difficult time for pub-goers who are already feeling the pinch of rising living costs. The average price of a pint in the UK reached £4.58 in July, burdening consumers further. Pubs attribute these price increases to higher energy, staffing, and ingredient costs, but customers are not convinced.
Customers Voice Their Displeasure
Some pub regulars have taken to social media to vent their frustration. Paul Woodhead, a customer at The Station in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands, noticed a significant decline in customers since the price hikes were implemented. He posted on social media, "Friday night 8 o’clock and all regulars were gone and place almost empty. As a result, the pub remains empty most nights. High, then higher prices on a random basis are driving away customers."
Stonegate Remains Silent on Pricing Strategy
Stonegate, the parent company of the popular Yates chain, has refused to disclose the extent of the price increases or when they were implemented. In a statement, a company spokesperson mentioned that pricing may "marginally increase" on occasion due to the increased cost demands, including additional staffing. However, this explanation has failed to satisfy pub-goers who believe they are being unfairly charged.
