Pint of beer now being sold for £9 in London’s West End in new cost of living crisis

THE price of a pint has topped £9 — while the average cost of a beer has doubled in 15 years.

The eye-watering tab was found at a bar in London’s West End.

Paul Bolton — from industry tracker CGA — said yesterday: “These aren’t one-off prices for a super strong, exotic craft beer. These are normal draught pints.”

The cheapest found in a ­survey of 90,000 drinking spots was £1.85 in Hyde, Greater Manchester.

Overall, the average price is now over £4 for the first time — at £4.30, compared to £2.30 in 2008.

The cost of a pint would be £3.55 if it had risen in line with inflation for ­consumer goods.

CGA regularly checks prices at UK hospitality outlets, with results reported anonymously.

This latest survey covers the 12 weeks to August 5.

Big price rises over the year have been blamed on soaring costs for brewers — in particular for energy and grains after the start of the Ukraine war.

Meanwhile research shows just one in ten think a pub visit with pals is affordable.

Nik Antona, of the Campaign for Real Ale, called for the government to cut the “huge burden” on brewers and pubs.

• HAVE you been served a £9 pint? WhatsApp 0742 372 0250.