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

The 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%.

Nathan Freeman, landlord of a sports bar in Bristol, said: "Everything going into the pint has gone up, to be honest with you."

Nathan 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.

"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.