"The government needs to extend the energy cap to business as well as households."
Industry leaders are warning that pubs and breweries across the UK are on the brink of closure as some energy bills are feared to rise by up 300%, reports The Manc.
With the energy price cap set to increase once again in October, and the rising cost of living crisis continuing to make its impact felt nationwide, bosses of six of the UK's biggest pub and brewing companies have penned and signed an open letter to the government urging it to act in order to avoid "real and serious irreversible" damage to the sector.
The bosses of Greene King, JW Lees, Carlsberg Marston's, Admiral Taverns, Drake & Morgan, and St Austell Brewery have all signed the letter.
They all sit on the board of British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).
Pubs and breweries warn of closure over 300% rise in energy bills / Credit: Fred Moon (via Unsplash)
The letter has been penned because, while domestic customers are facing an 80% increase in average bills in October, businesses operate without a regulated price cap, and this is said to be leaving pub owners struggling to find suppliers willing to power their venues when contracts come up for renewal.
One regional pub had seen their energy bill jump £33,000 for the year, according to Nick Mackenzie, chief executive officer of the Greene King Group - which has more than 2,700 pubs across the country.
The Griffin in Leeds city centre is owned by Greene King, whose bosses have signed the open letter to the government. / Image: Greene King Pubs
"While the government has introduced measures to help households cope with this spike in prices, businesses are having to face this alone, and it is only going to get worse come the autumn," Mr Mackenzie explained.
"Without immediate government intervention to support the sector, we could face the prospect of pubs being unable to pay their bills, jobs being lost and beloved locals across the country forced to close their doors, meaning all the good work done to keep pubs open during the pandemic could be wasted."
The six pub and brewery group bosses have demanded the government implement an urgent support package that would be similar to capping the price of energy for businesses.
“We have publicans who are experiencing 300% + increases in energy costs and some energy companies are refusing to even quote for supply," added William Lees Jones - Managing Director of JW Lees .
"In some instances, tenants are giving us notice since their businesses do not stack up with energy at these costs. These are not just pubs but people’s homes and the hearts of the communities that they sit in.
"Government needs to extend the energy cap to business as well as households."
In response to the open letter, a government spokesperson said: "No government can control the global factors pushing up the price of energy and other business costs, but we will continue to support the hospitality sector in navigating the months ahead.
"That includes providing a 50% business rates relief for businesses across the UK, freezing alcohol duty rates on beer, cider, wine and spirits and reducing employer national insurance.
"This is in addition to the billions in grants and loans offered throughout the pandemic."
This modern restaurant in the heart of Leeds is redefining how we enjoy Indian cuisine.
If you haven't already dined at Kerala Canteen, then you are sincerely missing out.
Offering South Indian dining like you've never seen before, Kerala Canteen is the world's first Kerala tapas restaurant where guests can enjoy multiple dishes in one sitting.
And it's not just us who thinks it's class, the restaurant has earned recognition as one of the Top 100 Indian Restaurants in the UK, ranked among the Top 3 Indian restaurants in Leeds & Yorkshire, and awarded Best Restaurant by North Magazine — cementing its reputation as one of the region’s most exciting culinary destinations.
Image: Supplied
So, how does it work? Kerala Canteen isn't your traditional curry house, but the concept means you get to try more of the menu in one go.
Guests are encouraged to start with small plates and move onto curry bowls before sharing a biryani per person and ending with a delicious dessert.
The kitchen is led by renowned chef Bobby Geetha, known for appearances on MasterChef: The Professionals and Great British Menu.
Image: Supplied
Working alongside him is Abdulkhader Allingal Siddique, whose Michelin-starred kitchen background and deep-rooted Kerala heritage promise authenticity.
Together, they make the perfect dream team in the kitchen.
There's a huge selection of vegan and vegetarian options on the menu too so no one in your party has to miss out, with dishes like the chilli and tamarind cauliflower and gunpowder hasselback potatoes being standouts on the menu.
Visit on a Saturday and get involved in their iconic Bollywood Bottomless Brunch where for just £36 per person you can enjoy one bowl and one side alongside 90 minutes of free flowing drinks.
Image: Supplied
You can choose from prosecco, draught beer, cocktails, mocktails - trust us, the list is endless. And you can enjoy it all whilst bopping along to the best Bollywood beats. Find out more about the brunch here.
Visiting on a Sunday? You have to try their iconic T-Bone Sunday Roast experience, featuring a slow-braised T-bone steak finished in rich beef & bone marrow curry, paired with Yorkshire pudding and gunpowder potatoes. You'll never look at your mum's Sunday roast the same again.
Image: Supplied
Kerala Canteen also offers a private event space for your next big celebration that seats up to 100 guests with custom tapas menu and corporate dining packages available.
Located right next to Leeds Playhouse, it's the perfect spot for those visiting the city centre.
To book your table, take a look at Kerala Canteen's website - thank us later.
Dogs Trust Leeds is looking to find a ‘forever’ home for their loneliest dog
Clementine Hall
Meet Edie, the lovely Shar Pei at Dogs Trust Leeds who has had 41 first dates at but still hasn't found her 'forever' home.
Edie is a beautoful 7-year-old Shar Pei who has been waiting to find her forever home longer than any other dog at Dogs Trust Leeds.
She joined the charity back in 2020, after the death of her owner.
Edie has spent over 4,000 days at the charity and has been adopted 41 times, but is still yet to find her forever home.
We're not crying, you are.
Edie is described as an 'amazing dog' who can be'very shy initially but with a little time and plenty of treats she will soon be nudging you for a bit of fuss!'.
Image: Dogs Trust Leeds
Dogs Trust Leeds states: "She’s also worried by other dogs, but she’s proven that in a home where she won’t see them up close, she is a dream. She's been for sleepovers to her handlers home and she was the perfect house guest! Very relaxed, fully housetrained, and happy to just chill out. We know that in a peaceful adult only home where she’ll be the only pet she will thrive."
"Edie is the most loving and gentle natured dog and has come such a long way since first arriving in our care. Her handlers all adore her due to her zest for life. She's super affectionate and loves plenty of snuggles!
"She enjoys getting out for walkies or playing with her toys and she's absolutely smashed her training. Off-lead playtime is another favourite hobby for her so she will need to have a secure garden to play in. So if you’re looking for a very loving companion, you have a quiet and predictable routine and have time to gradually settle her in, add our Edie to your favourites now!"
If you'd like to welcome Edie into your home, then find out more here.
The Hoot -
30th August 2022 
