The Looming Crisis: High Energy Costs Threaten Britain's Beloved Pubs and Restaurants

In the heart of every British city, town and village, you'll find a quintessential institution: the pub. These cozy corners of community life have been the backdrop for countless gatherings, celebrations, and heartfelt conversations for many centuries. 

Similarly, restaurants across the nation offer a diverse array of culinary delights, drawing locals and tourists alike to savor their unique flavours. However, beneath the convivial atmosphere and gastronomic delights lies a looming crisis that threatens to dim the lights of these cherished establishments: the soaring cost of energy and the crushing weight of the cost of living crisis.

Britain's pub and restaurant sector has long been an integral part of our cultural fabric, but recent challenges have pushed many establishments to the brink. Among the most pressing issues is the relentless rise in energy costs. From heating to lighting and kitchen appliances, energy is a vital component of daily operations for pubs and restaurants. However, the sharp increase in energy prices in recent years has placed an unprecedented strain on businesses already grappling with thin profit margins.

The cost of living crisis further compounds these challenges. As the prices of essentials such as food, fuel, and housing continue to escalate, consumers are left with less disposable income to spend on dining out or enjoying a pint at their local pub. This has led to a decline in footfall and a reduction in consumer spending, further squeezing the already tight margins of pubs and restaurants.

One of the most visible impacts of these challenges is the closure of beloved establishments. According to recent reports, hundreds of pubs and restaurants have closed their doors for good in the past year alone, unable to withstand the financial pressures exacerbated by high energy costs and the cost of living crisis. Each closure represents not only the loss of a business but also the loss of local jobs and the erosion of community spaces that play an essential role in bringing people together.

Moreover, the ripple effects of these closures extend far beyond the doors of individual establishments. The hospitality sector is a significant contributor to the British economy, providing employment opportunities for millions of people across the country. The closure of pubs and restaurants not only results in job losses but also disrupts supply chains and affects ancillary businesses that rely on the patronage of these establishments.

So, what can be done to support Britain's struggling pubs and restaurants in the face of these challenges? First and foremost, urgent action is needed to address the root causes of the crisis. Government intervention to mitigate the impact of soaring energy costs through targeted subsidies or tax relief measures would provide much-needed relief to struggling businesses. 

Similarly, measures to alleviate the burden of the cost of living crisis, such as increasing wages or reducing VAT on hospitality services, could help stimulate consumer confidence and spending and bolster the resilience of the sector.

Furthermore, collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and energy providers is essential to develop sustainable solutions that ensure the long-term viability of Britain's pub and restaurant sector. This may involve investment in energy-efficient technologies, promoting renewable energy sources, and exploring alternative business models that prioritise sustainability and resilience.

Ultimately, the fate of Britain's pubs and restaurants hangs in the balance. As cherished symbols of community and tradition, they deserve our support and protection in the face of mounting challenges. By addressing the underlying issues of high energy costs and the cost of living crisis, we can ensure that these vital institutions continue to thrive for generations to come. The time to act is now, before it's too late to save the heart and soul of Britain's culinary landscape.

The Vital Role of Hygiene and Cleanliness in Pubs and Eating Establishments

In the vibrant ambiance of pubs and dining places, where laughter mingles with the clinking of glasses and the aroma of delicious food fills the air, one crucial aspect often takes a backstage: hygiene. 

While the atmosphere and culinary delights are undoubtedly crucial for creating a memorable experience, the significance of proper hygiene cannot be overstated. From preventing the spread of illnesses to fostering a welcoming environment, maintaining cleanliness is paramount in these establishments.

Public Health Protection

First and foremost, proper hygiene practices are essential for safeguarding public health. Pubs and eating establishments serve as gathering spots for people from various walks of life, making them potential hotspots for the transmission of infectious diseases. Without stringent hygiene measures in place, the risk of contamination increases exponentially. From foodborne illnesses to viral infections, the consequences of neglecting cleanliness can be severe, not only for patrons and staff, but also for the reputation and viability of the establishment.

Customer Satisfaction and Reputation

Moreover, maintaining high standards of hygiene is integral to ensuring customer satisfaction and building a positive reputation. Patrons are not only drawn to establishments for their menu offerings but also for the overall experience, which includes cleanliness and hygiene. 

A spotless environment instills confidence in customers regarding the quality and safety of the food and beverages served. Conversely, reports of unhygienic conditions can spread rapidly through word-of-mouth or online reviews, tarnishing the establishment's reputation and deterring potential customers. For example wiping down all the tables in an eating establishment with the same soiled rag will probably worsen the situation.

Legal Compliance

Adhering to hygiene regulations isn't just a matter of goodwill, it's a legal obligation. Health and safety standards are established by regulatory authorities to protect public health and ensure compliance with hygiene practices. 

Failure to meet these standards can result in fines, closure orders, or even legal action, posing significant risks to the business. By prioritising hygiene and complying with regulations, pub and restaurant owners demonstrate their commitment to operating responsibly and ethically.

Employee Well-being

Proper hygiene isn't limited to the cleanliness of the dining area; it also encompasses the sanitation practices within the kitchen and among staff members. Providing a hygienic work environment is essential for safeguarding the health and well-being of employees. 

Regular training on hygiene protocols, access to necessary supplies such as gloves and disinfectants, and maintaining clean and organised workspaces are crucial for promoting a culture of hygiene among staff members.

Sustainable Practices

In addition to promoting health and safety, adopting proper hygiene practices can also contribute to sustainability efforts. Minimising food waste, responsibly managing resources such as water and energy, and implementing eco-friendly cleaning products are integral components of a holistic approach to hygiene. By incorporating sustainable practices into their operations, pubs and eating establishments can reduce their environmental footprint while enhancing their reputation as socially responsible businesses.

In conclusion, the importance of proper hygiene in pubs and eating establishments cannot be overstated. From protecting public health and ensuring customer satisfaction to complying with regulations and promoting sustainability, cleanliness is integral to the success and longevity of these establishments. 

By prioritising hygiene and implementing robust protocols, pub and restaurant owners can create safe, welcoming environments where patrons can indulge in memorable culinary experiences without compromising on health and well-being. After all, in the realm of hospitality, cleanliness truly is next to godliness.

(Image courtesy of Achim Thiemermann from Pixabay)

The Unfair Burden: How UK Taxation Penalises Pubs Over Supermarkets

In the United Kingdom, the quintessential pub still holds a cherished place in the hearts of many. Pubs are a cornerstone of community life, a place where friends and family gather, stories are shared, and bonds are strengthened over pints of ale and glasses of wine. 

However, despite their cultural significance, pubs across the nation face a significant and, some might argue, unfair burden when it comes to taxation compared to their retail counterpart. Supermarkets.

The discrepancy in taxation between pubs and supermarkets stems from various factors, including the way each business is structured and the different tax rates they are subject to. Here, we delve into the intricacies of this issue, exploring why it's time for a fairer approach to taxation that supports the survival of these vital community hubs.

VAT Disparity:

Value Added Tax (VAT) is a consumption tax which is levied on goods and services. Currently, pubs in the UK are subject to a 20% VAT rate on most items, including food and drink. In contrast, supermarkets benefit from a reduced VAT rate of 0% on many (essential) food items. This VAT discrepancy places pubs at a distinct disadvantage, as they are unable to compete with supermarkets on price due to the higher tax burden they face.

Business Rates:

Business rates are another significant expense for pubs and retailers alike. However, the way these rates are calculated can disproportionately impact pubs. Business rates for pubs are often calculated based on the property's rental value, which tends to be higher in prime locations. In contrast, supermarkets can benefit from economies of scale and lower rates per square foot due to their larger footprint and often out-of-town locations.

Alcohol Duty:

Pubs heavily rely on the sale of alcoholic beverages as a primary source of revenue. However, the duty on alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits, places an additional financial strain on pubs. While supermarkets also pay alcohol duty, they can offset this cost through their diverse product offerings and higher sales volumes, whereas pubs are more reliant on alcohol sales and may struggle to absorb the increased costs.

Social Impact:

Beyond the financial implications, the disparity in taxation between pubs and supermarkets has broader social ramifications. Pubs play a vital role in fostering social connections, reducing loneliness, and providing a safe and inclusive environment for communities to come together. By penalizing pubs through unfair taxation, we risk undermining the very fabric of our society and eroding the communal spaces that are integral to our cultural identity.

Addressing the Disparity:

To address the imbalance in taxation between pubs and supermarkets, policymakers must take proactive measures to level the playing field and support the sustainability of pubs. This could include:

Reviewing VAT Rates: Consideration should be given to reducing the VAT rate for pubs or introducing tiered VAT rates based on business size or turnover to alleviate the tax burden on smaller establishments.

Reforming Business Rates: Reforming the business rates system to ensure a fairer and more equitable distribution of tax burdens, taking into account factors such as property size, location, and economic contribution to the community.

Fairer Alcohol Duty: Exploring options to reform alcohol duty to ensure a more equitable distribution of tax burdens across the hospitality sector, taking into account the different business models and revenue streams of pubs and supermarkets.

Recognising Social Value: Acknowledging the social value of pubs and the important role they play in communities by considering alternative metrics beyond purely economic factors when formulating tax policies.

Pubs are not just businesses; they are the lifeblood of our communities, providing a space for social interaction, cultural exchange, and collective belonging. However, the unfair burden of taxation placed on pubs compared to supermarkets threatens their viability and jeopardises the unique social fabric they contribute to. 

It's time for our policymakers to recognise the vital role pubs play in our society and implement fairer taxation policies that support their sustainability and ensure they continue to thrive for generations to come.

Celebrate the UK’s beloved pubs with Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK)

This winter, Food by National Geographic Traveller (UK) is toasting the nation’s locals, with a celebration of the UK’s beloved pubs, in all their many glorious forms.

With pubs facing unprecedented challenges, there’s never been a better time to pay tribute to this wonderful British institution. 

In its latest cover story, the magazine zones in on the success stories giving the industry hope, while also offering guides to classic pub dishes, the best beers, desi pubs and perfect spots for pub purists.

Glen Mutel, editor of Food, said: “If the pandemic made many of us long for the pub, the threat of losing our locals has really brought home just how important they are.

“Fortunately, there’s another story to tell, the story of all those who are finding ways to keep pubs afloat, from the punters clubbing together to ensure their locals remain community owned, to the chefs creating a new type of gastropub, designed to please every kind of customer.”

Also in this issue, we meet the chefs keeping culinary traditions alive in the Indian state of Goa; enjoy a meal of buffalo banh mi on a Native American reservation in South Dakota; and try out the many speciality sausages of Franconia, Germany. All this, plus the best of Lima, Bucharest and Tromsø.

In addition, expect the usual mix of thought-provoking features and easy-to-follow recipes from world-renowned contributors.

Don’t miss:

• Deconstruct: Yule log — the lowdown on the dish also known as bûche de Noël

• My Life in Food: Rapper and broadcaster Big Zuu on okra stew and Jamaican food

• Try it Now: How chefs are putting a savoury spin on French toast

• Five Ways With: Get the best out of oysters

• Recipe Journal: Four potato dishes from around the world

• Make Perfect: Tips for mastering tom yum soup

• The Pioneer: Paris-based chef Mory Sacko on blending French, West African and Japanese cuisines

26-PAGE DIGITAL EZINE SAMPLE https://magazine.natgeotraveller.co.uk/food-dec23/

Fast facts

Issue 22

On sale date: 7 December 2023

Price: £5.10

Website: nationalgeographic.com/travel

Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK

X (Twitter): twitter.com/NatGeoTravelUK

Local pubs deliver invaluable socio-economic value, ministers must act to save them, new report reveals

Government must give pubs which serve as the beating hearts of their communities greater support with tax rebates to safeguard the nation’s locals as vital social lifelines, a report from think-tank Localis urges.

In a report entitled ‘Inn-Valuable: unlocking the socio-economic potential of our nation’s pubs’, Localis also argues a minister for pubs role be reinstated to join up help for the country’s pubs sector, which supports 936,000 jobs, generates £28bn in GVA to the economy and delivers £15bn in tax revenues to the Exchequer, annually. 

According to polling undertaken by YouGov for the report, 75% of people believe pubs have a positive impact on community life.

When asked if pubs are important in bringing people together, over four-in-five (81%) of British adults agreed with this idea, with just14% feeling they aren't. 

Polling for the report showed 68% of British adults felt pubs have a part in helping to combat loneliness in their local area. 

Among pro-community activities supported by local pubs, almost half (44%) of people are aware of pub events that bring the community together, a quarter (25%) knew of local pubs that supported charitable causes and 17% knew of local pubs offering to support vulnerable people in their local area.

The research identified from case studies taken pubs across the whole country some dominant themes on how the sector supports local people and communities, namely by:

combatting isolation

supporting local causes

reflecting local culture

bringing local business together

supporting community through generations.

Pollsters also learned among social uses of pubs in the last three months, over half of the population (51%) had met a friend in one, while nearly two-in-five (37%) of people had visited the pub to meet up with family, a quarter (25%) had enjoyed Sunday lunch in one and 10% of the public had attended a pub-held birthday party in that timespan. In addition, 6%s of the public had used pubs for dating purposes and 13% watched a sporting event in a pub.

A key recommendation of the report calls for the re-establishment of a Minister for Pubs position to co-ordinate a cross-government taskforce responsible for long-term strategy for the British pubs sector and to lead on help with tax and regulation, alongside an emergency fund for energy bill support.

The report authors also make the case for business rates rebates for those pubs which take on socially valuable roles like foodbanks or in providing warm spaces for vulnerable people, with a call for a modest £4m cashpot to help 1,000 pubs to diversify at a cost of only £4,000 per pub.

Joe Fyans, who is head of research at Localis said: “Across Britain, pubs consistently played a pivotal role in knitting communities together and promoting social cohesion.

“In fact, pubs are the beating heart of many communities, playing multifaceted roles in local daily life. This is why the decline of pubs is obviously a great cause for concern. With each closure, both tangible and intangible voids are left behind.

“The lessons are clear: pubs, in all their forms and across all locations, remain integral to British social cohesion as hubs of activity, community, and social capital. This makes their presence all the more crucial as community safety nets and beacons of light, offering a lifeline hope for many people looking for a real sense of local belonging.”

Emma McClarkin, CEO of the British Beer and Pub Association, said: “The stories highlighted in this report truly are just a snapshot of the hugely positive impact pubs have in communities across the whole country every single day.

“There are few businesses that can say they add both social and economic value and pubs are delivering that value in neighbourhoods from Lanarkshire to Liskeard, and everywhere in between. Pubs provide solace to people in tough times and a place to celebrate in others and to lose them would have a serious impact on people’s lives.

“With closures continuing to rise and pubs under threat from further duty and business rates cost hikes we hope the Government will giver serious consideration to the proposals put forward by this report so the foundations can be laid to help pubs continue to do this brilliant work in their communities long into the future.”

Becky Barnett who runs The Lamb Inn in Swadlincote, which features in the report, said: “We support our local community in a number of ways, including offering free food and drinks to people on Wednesday mornings. People can come into the pub, have a free hot meal, and in winter, sit by our log fire in comfy chairs, no questions asked.

“When times are tougher, we want to be a place where people can come for help and local people have been incredibly grateful of us opening our doors at no cost. At the same time, we are also facing challenges with higher energy bills and other rising costs so it’s a scary time for our business too. But we want to continue to provide a non-judgemental warm space for people, but we’re facing our own difficulties as well.”

Pub is The Hub chief executive, John Longden, said: “Pubs and publicans are the heroes at the heart of community life that provide essential local services and activities that create social value.

“They are a valuable lifeline for many rural areas providing vital local services and activities like village stores, allotments and community cafes, plus offering a safe space to tackle the major societal issue of loneliness.

“Pub is The Hub now estimates 1,000 more pubs and local areas could benefit from services if they can be directly supported in the future to diversify."

https://www.localis.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/InnValuable_Localis_WEBAWK.pdf

https://beerandpub.com/

(Image courtesy of Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay)

Government backs earlier pub opening for pubs during World Cup Final

The Government has encouraged councils in England to allow pubs to open earlier on Sunday ahead of the Lionesses historic World Cup final.

The Secretary of State for Levelling Up has written to all leaders of councils throughout England asking them to continue doing everything they can to help every pub landlord or manager who wants to host this historic occasion and support the Lionesses.

While many venues should be able to show the game within their usual pub opening hours, there could well be a few who require additional permission where they'd like to be able to also serve alcohol.

In cases where an application is being rapidly considered to allow a short extension to licensing hours, the government is encouraging local authorities and councils to continue to do everything in their power to complete the process in time, working closely with local police forces.

Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove said: "The whole nation is ready to get behind the Lionesses this Sunday in what is England’s biggest game since the year 1966.

I’ve asked councils to do everything they can to help pubs get open earlier on Sunday, so people can come together and enjoy a drink before kick-off for this special occasion."

He went on to say: Kate Nicholls, CEO of UK Hospitality, said: "The nation will be cheering on the Lionesses on Sunday and the next best thing to being in Australia is enjoying the match in the pub or hospitality venue. 

"Many are taking advantage of the fact they can open to encourage people to come out for breakfast or brunch to get ready for this historic match. Demand from fans has been exceptional, with bookings filling rapidly, and there’s no doubt the day will be a huge boost for the sector, potentially delivering an additional £41 million in sales.

"It’s been really positive to work with the Government to ensure everyone can get a chance to join in the celebrations. I’d echo the Government’s support for local authorities taking a pragmatic view to venues opening early to allow people to make the most of this absolutely momentous occasion."

Writing to council leaders, the Levelling up Secretary thanked local authorities for everything they've already done this tournament to support the national team, including flying flags, lighting up buildings and supporting communities to hold screenings.

The Home Office is also writing to police chiefs to encourage forces to work together with local councils to ensure as many venues as possible can participate in this momentous event.

This is part of the government’s commitment to backing British pubs, and follows this week’s announcement of an extension to licensing rules that enabling pubs to continue selling takeaway alcohol without red tape holding them back unnecessarily. 

(Image courtesy of Charles from Pixabay)

Do you love Wetherspoon pubs? There's a song about Wetherspoon pubs!

I love Wetherspoon pubs. Decent menu, great choice of real ales and a couple of decent IPAs, Punk IPA and Shipyard. 

British author, songwriter, comedian, actor Dominic Frisby has written a song about his love for Wetherspoons which I am sharing with readers of That's Food and Drink, here.

 

West Country Drinkers Make Cider Their Favourite Pint

For the very first time since records began, cider has jumped to the top spot in the South-West as the region's best-selling draught pint.

Thatchers Gold, carefully crafted at Myrtle Farm in Somerset, has overtaken all draught beer and draught lagers to become the best-selling pint across the entire South-West. 

An incredible 15.2 million pints of Gold were poured in 2022.

Whilst many might find it surprising cider wasn't already the number one choice given the well-known cider loving nature of the West Country, analyst CGA has revealed that until now, no cider has ever sold enough to overtake a beer or lager into the number one position in any region in the UK. Now Thatchers Gold can take the accolade for the first time, here in the South-West!

The family run cider maker, Thatchers,  actually has two of its best-selling ciders in the top ten LAD (long alcoholic drinks) in the South-West with its cloudy apple cider, Thatchers Haze, at number 8.

The brand at number 2 in the South-West is Carling.

So how has Thatchers Gold succeeded in becoming the West Country's favourite pint?

Martin Thatcher is the fourth generation of the Thatcher family to lead the cider making business, which now sells its flagship brand Thatchers Gold, to countries all over the world.

“Drinkers across the globe love Thatchers Gold – but there's absolutely no doubt that here in the West Country it's extra special! One in every two pints of apple cider poured in the West Country is a Gold.”

Thatchers Gold was first produced at Myrtle Farm some twenty years ago, and since then has seen consistent growth not just in the South-West but across the UK, sold on draught in pubs and bars, as well as glass bottles and cans with high street retailers. In fact, it has grown more than any other apple cider over the last three years helping Thatchers become the UK's second largest cider maker.  

“Its appeal starts right here at Myrtle Farm,” says Martin, “where we craft Gold with the very best tasting apples. We have a saying that the best cider starts in the orchard, and that's exactly the case with Gold.

“The recipe hasn't changed at all over the years – when we first produced Gold we knew that we had struck on the perfect balance of fruitiness, tannin, sweetness and acidity. So our cider makers continue to make Gold in the same way as we did 20 years ago, and with a brilliant team effort from everyone at Myrtle Farm, we continue to reach new audiences who love a beautifully refreshing pint.”