JD Wetherspoon raises food and drink prices by an average of 3%

JD Wetherspoon has raised prices across its bar and food menus to counter a hike in costs.

The pub giant, which runs 814 sites, said the average price increase across its products was 3%.

Wetherspoon said in a statement: “Most prices in Wetherspoon pubs have increased by 3.95% from Thursday, 1 February 2024.

“Some prices have increased by less. Ruddles Bitter has increased by 1%. Bud Light lager, Stowford Press Cider and Doom Bar bitter have increased by 2%. Draught Pepsi has not increased.

“The average increase, across all bar and food products is 3%.”

Chairman Tim Martin used the group’s January trading update to rally against a disparity in costs hitting pubs and supermarkets.

He said labour costs in pubs were about 30% of sales, compared to around 10% in supermarkets, meaning retail stores were able to offer lower prices.

Speaking after last week's price rises, Martin said: “Wetherspoon, like most pub companies, has seen some big increases in costs. We believe that our prices remain competitive, even after these changes."

Wetherspoon posted an optimistic trading update in January and said like-for-like bar sales had risen 11.8%, food by 7.9% and room sales by 3.1%.

Last month the group opened a £2.3m pub near London’s Euston station and entered an exclusive commercial partnership with Haven to open pubs at its holiday parks.