Autumn Statement 2022: What Southampton pubs are hoping for

Pubs across the city are calling for help to cope with rising energy costs and the rising cost of alcohol.

Soaring energy bills drove inflation up to 11.1 per cent last month - its highest level for 41 years, according to official figures.

With Chancellor Jeremy Hunt set to deliver the Autumn Statement tomorrow, we asked pubs in the area which measures would help them the most.

READ MORE: Pubs warn of closure 'bloodbath' in cost of living crisis

'Some stability'

Ged Gorrie (right) at Shenanigans

Ged Gorrie, owner and manager of Shenanigans in Carlton Place, said the cost of energy has gone up "quite considerably".

He says it is an "extra burden" on running the pub, which he manages with business partner Bill Dearsley.

He told the Echo: "The cost of buying our products is certainly going up. We, like any business, do not want to pass it on to our customers.

"It is a double whammy really, people not coming out because their own bills are going up and us putting our prices up."

Although there doesn't seem to have been a drop in the number of customers yet, "that will happen".

READ MORE: Father of three opens shop selling clothes for just £1

Mr Gorrie would like to see measures to help control energy bills and no rise in beer duty costs.

"I think people are uncertain," he said. "I would just like to see some stability. Some certainty for us and for everybody."

'Tougher than Covid'

Steve Pitts, owner of Clockwork bar (Image: Contributed)

Steve Pitts, owner of Clockwork Bar in Shirley, said loyal customers are keeping them going.

But he says the business is suffering "behind the scenes", adding: "It's been a bit tough, tougher than Covid.

"(In the lockdowns) we were not paying for beer or staff and the government grants helped with rent.

"Landlords do not seem to notice what's going on in the world. They are like, 'Well, you're due an increase'.

"It's difficult, but with a loyal customer base we will get though it and if we don't, we don't."

He is trying to stay optimistic, however. 

"My grandad used to say when the tide's rising, all good ships float," he said.

He added that he would like to see "some form of help" from the government for small businesses.

'Anything is on the table'

The Salmon Leap in Totton (Image: Newsquest)

Eric Light, landlord of the Salmon Leap in Totton, said he is expecting a "painful" Autumn Statement.

He said: "It's a difficult place at the moment. I am expecting quite a painful statement tomorrow but we are in a difficult position all round, coming out of Covid.

"We have overcome Covid in the last few years and unfortunately (there's) a recession looming. Any support would be a bonus but I am not expecting a lot."

He talked about making decisions when suppliers raise their prices and may make other changes to reduce costs, adding: "I think everything and anything is on the table at the moment."

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