Real ale prices rise ahead of inflation

June 9, 2005: The average price of a pint of real ale rose by 9p (4.42%) to £2.15p in the year to February, a survey by CAMRA has revealed. The annual rate of inflation to February 2005 was 3.2%.

The cost of a pint of keg lager over the same period rose by 11p (4.57%) to an average £2.36p and pint.

CAMRA chief executive Mike Benner commented: “Small brewers have shown restraint in their price rises and although the real ale they produce is slightly more expensive than those from the global brewers, drinkers should be happy to pay a little extra for quality handcrafted brews which are full of taste."

More than 1,000 pubs were surveyed. The most expensive place to drink real ale remains London, where a pint averages £2.36p; the cheapest region was the North West at an average £1.84p a pint.

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