Breweries & pubs under pressure as Wanstead Beer Festival returns for a third year

It is a tough time for the pub trade. An estimated 400 plus pubs went out of business in England and Wales last year, with more predicted to go over the next few years. Breweries are also under pressure. Local, Walthamstow based, brewers, Beerblefish recently shut down their operation, including the tap room. They had an excellent range of beers, which we featured at the Wanstead Beer Festival (WBF). Indeed, Beerblefish were an early supporter of the beer festival, being one of the brewers, who sponsored the glass in the first two years. Another Walthamstow based brewer, Wildcard, also went out of business, recently. On the pub front, the George in Wanstead, under Wetherspoons, shut down last October. Fortunately, Urban, Pubs & Bars picked up the baton, renaming and reopening the pub as the George & Dragon in January. So, a pub remains on the site, with more jobs brought to the area as well. The hospitality trade generally, though, has been hit hard over recent years, with first, COVID, then, the cost of living crisis. Now, there is the increase in employers national insurance payments and rising business rates. A pint of beer is predicted to rise well over £5. It is already at that price or more at most pubs in this area. The concern is that the pubs and breweries, who were already struggling, could just be pushed over the edge with these latest costs. On a more optimistic note, there is the upcoming third Wanstead Beer Festival (WBF) This year, the WBF will take place in Christchurch halls, on Saturday 4 October. Again, the organisers will be seeking to bring a wide variety of beers, both local and from further afield. There will be the lagers, blondes and golden ales as well as the heavier porters and stouts. Not forgetting the ever popular ciders. It is also intended to keep the prices at the same levels as in previous years, so under £5. There will also be gins, wine, prosecco and soft drinks for those not into beer. The first two beer festivals have been great successes, well attended and raising over £7,000 for charity, so far. So don't miss out, tickets will be on sale soon (www.wansteadbeerfestival.co.uk). Remember, it is important to support the hospitality industry in our local area at these difficult times. It is a real case of use them or lose them.