"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."
Silver's Deli is opening up a sister shop, and this time it's about everything baked.
We all know and love Silver's Deli for their stacked subs and breakfast sandwiches that could cure any hangover no matter how severe.
They're so good, that they even bagged the coveted Uber Eats Restaurant of the Year Award last year.
And rightly so, because Silver's is absolutely class.
And it seems there's just no stopping Silver's, as they've just announced that they'll be opening a sister shop named Silver's Bakehouse serving up everything, yep you guessed it, baked.
It'll also be in Farsley where the original Silver's is, and they're labelling the new venture as 'your neighbourhood bake shop'.
Announcing the very exciting news to Instagram, Silver's Deli said: "Well it’s happening. I said no more shops, but it’s kinda necessary, and I just love all things baked.
"There’s waaaaaaaaay too many details to share on this right now, but go give our sister shop @silvers_bakehouse a new follow and hold on tight. This is gonna be fun as fuck."
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Customers can expect a wider range of Silver's goodies that they're unable to whip up in the current space. From soft amaretti biscuits and their famous cookies to sausage rolls and brownies that the team have been working on for 12 months.
We're in no doubt that this venture is going to be absolutely brilliant, and you best believe we'll be first in line to try one of those brownies.
Silver's Bakehouse will be located on Town Street in Farsley and is expected to open this May.
Behind the doors of a former church that has been renovated into a beautiful home in North Yorkshire
Clementine Hall
Nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, Fell View Chapel dates all the way back to 1846.
Ever wanted to live in an abandoned church? Well, now's your chance.
This former Methodist Church dates all the way back to 1846 and has all the original features to match.
If you can look past the possible ghosts that may be lurking, this one-of-a-kind property can be yours for just £450,000.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
Step through the original church door and you'll be met by a striking open-plan living space with a fully functioning log burner to keep you warm through the winter months, complete with a beautiful contemporary kitchen which has been renovated to the highest spec.
The floating first floor features a glass landing that overlooks the ground floor below, and of course there's stunning stained glass windows throughout the property.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
This architectural conversion has taken five years to complete and there's been no expense spared, the pulpit and pews have even been kept to really keep that churchy vibe.
Here's what the listing says: "Welcome to The Old Methodist Church, originally built in 1846 and beautifully transformed over the past five years into a truly exceptional home.
"This remarkable conversion seamlessly blends contemporary living with the building’s historic charm, creating a residence that is both striking and deeply characterful.
Image: Rightmove via Harvey Brooks
"Every detail has been tastefully and skilfully executed, carefully preserving original features while introducing modern design and comfort. The stained glass windows, original pulpit and pews remain as stunning focal points — a real marvel and a tribute to the building’s heritage."
The Hoot -
30th August 2022 
