The cost of a pint at Wetherspoons’ Leicester Square venue is attracting attention, as drinkers and analysts alike weigh in on the rising price of beer across the UK. The Moon Under Water, located in one of London’s most high-traffic areas, has been revealed as the most expensive Wetherspoons pub for drinkers—charging £6.98 for a pint of San Miguel or Corona, and £7.30 for a pint of Leffe.

By comparison, a pint of Bud Light—currently the cheapest alcoholic option on the menu—still sets customers back £4.85, a significant step up from prices in regional locations. And it's not just the beer under scrutiny: a single serving of rhubarb and ginger Edinburgh Gin costs £7.78 at the Leicester Square venue, despite being priced at just £2.35 at the County Hotel Wetherspoons in Kent.

Wetherspoons prices vary wildly across the UK

The stark differences in pricing between locations have reignited conversation around inflation, affordability, and the cost of drinking out. National press reports have highlighted the extent of the disparity, prompting calls for more transparency on why prices fluctuate so widely within the same pub chain.

Last October, analysts revealed that the average price of a pint of Carling across Wetherspoons pubs had increased 11% year-on-year. According to data, 740 pubs in the chain experienced price hikes, while only 58 saw price decreases and just five reported no change at all.

The broader picture isn't much rosier. Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show that the average on-trade price of a pint of lager has risen by over 50p in just a year. The rising cost of living, raw materials, energy, and labour are all contributing to the mounting pressure on pub operators.

CAMRA and JD Wetherspoons voice concerns

Nik Antona, national chair of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), called the pricing figures “worrying,” and warned that it’s now “make or break” for many pubs. He urged the UK government to step in with support for the hospitality sector, noting that such steep increases could discourage people from visiting their local.

JD Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin has echoed similar concerns, previously warning customers that £8—or even £10—pints may become commonplace if inflation continues at its current pace. In his March Chairman’s Statement, Martin described the industry’s battle with “ferocious” inflationary pressures and said the company would do its best to keep prices down, despite the headwinds.

Finding a cheaper pint in Wetherspoons

In response to growing consumer interest in navigating Wetherspoons pricing, an interactive booze map has been launched, allowing drinkers to search for the best value pints around the country. By selecting their preferred drink, users can see where in the UK they’ll pay the least for it.

As supply chain challenges, inflation, and regional pricing strategies continue to shape the pub experience, the humble pint—once a symbol of affordable sociability—now tells a bigger story about the state of the UK’s drinking culture.