A Westminster pub manager has detailed the ways his pub has been coping with rising operational costs.
Pub manager Thom explained margins are tight due to high energy bills and the incoming Employment Rights Act affecting how the pub is run day to day.
“It’s very difficult to educate customers on why the price of their pint has got to where it is,” he said.
“We’ve had to adapt as we go. Putting timers on callers and doing our own redecorating just to keep those overheads as low as possible.
“The issue is that people are more careful with their money now.”
Andrew Griffith, Shadow Secretary for Business and Trade, argued that pubs are on the “front line” of the crisis.
He said: “The National Insurance jobs tax hikes fall particularly on part-time workers, which is almost by definition in pubs. A vast majority of this wretched bill will go.”
Reform MP Robert Jenrick joined the calls for ‘serious legislation’ to protect the sector.
The government recently announced a three-year rescue package for the industry, which it claims will be worth £1,650 for the average pub in 2026-27.
However, for many pubs, the rising cost of staffing remains the primary barrier to growth.
Thom added: “I’m slightly more careful about hiring now. In the past, you were able to make choices with pay rates.”
Watch the video below to find out more.
Feature image taken by Joanna Marchong
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