In a bold move to reassure customers, the founder of JD Wetherspoon has promised that the price of its famous breakfast will rise by no more than 20p next year. This commitment comes as the wider hospitality industry grapples with severe inflationary pressures.
A Firm Promise Amidst Rising Costs
Sir Tim Martin, the pub chain's chairman, made the announcement during an interview on LBC radio with presenter Nick Ferrari on Monday. He stated there would be a "maximum" increase of 20p "across the board" for the classic Wetherspoon fry-up. This traditional meal includes a fried egg, bacon, sausages, baked beans, two hash browns, and toast.
Current pricing varies across the country: it's £6.99 in central London, £5.75 in Birmingham New Street, and £3.79 in Brentwood, Essex. Sir Tim, who is based in Devon, has previously warned of rising costs due to higher wages and taxes. The company faced an additional £60m burden this year from increased National Insurance Contributions (NICs).
Hospitality Sector Under Severe Strain
The pledge is notable given the intense financial challenges facing pubs, cafes, and restaurants. Many in the industry hoped for tax relief in the recent Autumn Budget to aid recovery, but Chancellor Rachel Reeves' second budget offered no reductions to VAT and no changes to National Insurance.
Even a promised reduction in business rates has been criticised as "too little, too late", likely to be wiped out by an inflation-linked revaluation next year. Ros Morgan, chief executive of HOLBA, argued that "tinkering with multipliers and reliefs is not reform... only structural change will stop this escalating damage."
The Mounting Pressure on Wages and Survival
Further cost hikes are imminent. A 4.1 per cent rise in the National Minimum Wage will add approximately £900 per year to the cost of each full-time employee on the minimum wage.
According to calculations by payment provider Dojo, a typical café or restaurant employing 20 to 30 full-time staff could see its annual wage bill increase by £20,000 to £30,000 just to maintain current staffing levels.
The situation is pushing many businesses to the brink. Karl Mason, director of Masons of Yorkshire and a spokesperson for the UK Spirits Alliance, issued a stark warning: "Three in ten landlords are scared that they will go bust within a year if costs increase; this Budget will push businesses on the brink over the edge."
This is the second year running Sir Tim has given such a guarantee on breakfast prices to Nick Ferrari, demonstrating a consistent strategy to shield customers from the worst of inflation while navigating a profoundly difficult trading environment for the UK hospitality sector.
