Pub-goers across the United Kingdom have been issued a warning that the cost of a round is set to increase for several popular beers and ciders. Brewer Heineken has confirmed it will implement price rises on five of its major brands from the start of February 2026.
Which Pints Are Getting More Expensive?
The changes, confirmed by the brewing giant, will see a price increase of 2.7% applied to a selection of well-known drinks. The brands affected by the hike from 2 February 2026 are:
- Amstel lager
- Birra Moretti
- Old Mout cider
- John Smith’s Extra Smooth
- Inch’s cider
However, not all news is bad for consumers. Heineken has stated that the price of Murphy’s Irish Stout will be frozen, meaning no immediate increase for fans of the dark beer.
Foster's Lager Strength and Price Reduced
In a more surprising move, the company revealed that Foster’s lager will actually decrease in price. This price cut is directly linked to a decision to reduce the alcohol by volume (ABV) of the beer.
The strength of Foster's will be lowered from its current 3.7% ABV to 3.4% ABV. This adjustment makes the lager eligible for a lower rate of alcohol duty under UK law, a saving Heineken says it will pass on to customers through "more competitive pricing."
This marks the second time in three years that the ABV of Foster's has been diluted. Heineken's master brewers claim to have spent months refining the recipe to ensure the "taste remains unmistakably Foster's - crisp, balanced, and refreshing."
Brewer Cites 'Challenging' Costs for Pubs
In a statement, a Heineken spokesperson explained the rationale behind the increases, stating the company had kept hikes "as low as possible." They pointed to a difficult operating environment for publicans, burdened by rising costs.
"We know pubs are still shouldering significant cost pressures," the spokesperson said. They highlighted inflationary pressures such as employer taxes and the new UK Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) packaging scheme as adding to the financial strain on the hospitality sector.
The brewer also noted a "continued shift" in consumer trends towards lower-alcohol options, which the Foster's change partly addresses. They pledged continued transparency, confirming that any future government duty changes would be passed on in the usual manner.
For now, patrons looking forward to a post-Christmas pint will need to budget a little more for most of Heineken's lineup, with the exception of a cheaper, weaker Foster's and a steadfast Murphy's.
