After two turbulent years in the pandemic, pubs in Greater Manchester are squaring up to a new challenge in the ongoing battle for survival. Lockdown closures, strict social distancing rules and the arrival of Omicron before last Christmas all rocked the region's pubs.
Now, just as life was beginning to appear more like normal for many, the cost of living crisis is beginning to bite. Communities are being squeezed by soaring gas and electricity prices, while the cost of goods and fuel are also on the up.
For pubs which have made it to the other side of Covid restrictions, it comes as a fresh double blow for business - their own costs are rising while their customers have less money to spend. Pub landlords in the region have told the Manchester Evening News their costs have shot up by up to £500 a month.
