The cost of a pint has surpassed £10 in London, sparking debate over who can afford such prices. Surprisingly, 25-year-olds on minimum wage and even the King might manage, though the latter would likely wince. I recall when a £2 pint caused outrage in 1989, a year of high inflation near 8% and interest rates topping 15%. Back then, living at home with a part-time supermarket job made drinking affordable for me, unlike my bill-paying mother.
Current Pint Prices and Pub Closures
Across the UK, the average pint costs £4.52, with lager at £4.82, according to the British Beer and Pub Association. However, central London sees prices hitting a tenner. This trend is driving drinkers away, leading to 161 pub closures in the first quarter of 2026—almost two per day. In London, one pub closes every five days.
Why Are Prices Rising?
The main cost for pubs is staff wages, not barley. Irish farmers are quitting as they see no benefit from price hikes, which will only fuel more inflation. Tax increases on jobs and a rising minimum wage, though well-intentioned, force prices up and push businesses over the edge. The consumer loses either way.
Despite the grim outlook, there is a silver lining for young workers. The average time needed to earn a pint on minimum wage has fallen from 32 minutes in 1999 to 25 minutes in 2024 for a 25-year-old, thanks to minimum wage increases. So while a £10 pint stings, it's relatively more affordable for the young.
Outside major events like the World Cup, which may temporarily boost pub revenues, people are opting to stay home. A litre of Guinness costs £3.31 at Sainsbury's, and streaming services offer entertainment for a fraction of pub prices. This economic reality is driving societal atomisation, but for now, cheers to the young who can still afford a round—barely.
