UK diners already fear the bill, but the budget just raised it again, warn restaurateurs

In autumn 2022, a single American Hot at Pizza Express cost £13.48 on average, but has now risen to £16.75, and will set you back £18.25 in London, according to the data. Photograph: Peter Jordan_F/Alamy

Nothing tarnishes an evening out quite like a row over the size of the bill.

But leading figures in the hospitality sector fear Labour’s first budget in 14 years has put them on a collision course with their guests over the fair price of a meal.