The Weaver’s Arms in Mildmay fears for the worst amid suggestions of the government increasing beer duty in the October budget.
Pat Kavanagh, landlord of the Weavers Arms pub, believes a duty hike will be the final blow. “If the price goes up again, it’ll probably kill me altogether,” he says. “That’ll be the death of me. I can’t see any way back.”
Kavanagh says The Weavers Arms is more than just a pub; it is a community hub, offering a space for locals to gather and socialise.
The Independent reported that Chancellor Rachel Reeves is considering raising alcohol duties to address the £22bn deficit in public finances. An increase in duty could generate an additional £800m for the economy.
In a letter to the chancellor drinks industry leaders have pushed for a beer duty freeze beyond February 2025. The leaders otherwise expect “we will see pubs close and the end of the affordable pint.”
As a tied pub, The Weavers Arms must buy beer from one brewery which means they already pay premium prices. Kavanagh therefore increased prices by 20p just five months ago which he said has since caused a significant loss to the pub’s day trade.
The pub’s manager, Tracey, is concerned about the community impact, she said “pubs like this being lost means people lose places where they can go and be looked after.”
JP McGrath is a MA student journalist at City, University of London reporting in the heart of Mildmay, Islington. JP has worked with two universities in the US covering their athletics programs. With a particular passion for sports, JP has worked as an NFL analyst and spent a week on the Times newspaper sports desk.