The run-up to Christmas is usually the busiest time of the year for pubs and bars as festive libations and workplace parties get into full swing ahead of what is often a quiet January. This year looks set to be a unique December for the hospitality industry, with a conflicting Football World Cup and, of course, the cost of living crisis looming large over both landlords and customers.
For pubs contending with rising costs from suppliers and utilities, the question of whether to entice the public with lower prices or raise them isn't easy. We asked Bristol pubs how they're preparing for the most wonderful time of the year and if there is extra pressure riding on this Christmas being a successful one.
With a huge outdoor area and a prime location by Clifton Down station, Paula from Steam acknowledged that they'd been luckier than most so far, thanks, in part, to a loyal student following, but said they'd still faced some difficult choices. Paula told Bristol Live, "We made a big decision not to put our prices up in accordance with our suppliers. At the moment, we haven't been too affected in terms of trade. Of course, personally, we are affected because our costs have gone up, our electricity is about £4000 a month, but from our point of view, it's still important to represent value for money while still trying to make a living."
