The average cost of a pint of draught lager soared by 11.9% in the year to March 2023, double the previous record high for a year-on-year increase, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
ONS figures show the cost of a pint rose by 48p, from £4.02 in March 2022 to £4.50 in March 2023.
In comparison, prices rose 47p (11.8%) in the year to February 2023, from £3.98 to £4.45.
The previous record high for a year-on-year increase in over 10 years was between October 2021 and 2022, when pint prices increased by 23p or 6% from £3.92 to £4.15.
Trade bodies have campaigned for extended energy support and VAT relief for the pub sector, citing cost inflation and skyrocketing utility bills forcing increasing numbers of pubs to close their doors.
