Martin Lewis’ MSE reveal how to get the perfect pint with the right head ratio – are you being short changed on beer?
MARTIN Lewis’ team has revealed how to get the perfect pint to make sure you aren’t being short changed on beer.
In the latest MoneySavingExpert.com (MSE) newsletter, Martin’s team investigated your pint rights.
It comes as new research from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute found that over 85% of beer served in pubs and bars across Britain is short-measured.
But the law on the size of your pint’s size remains unclear.
The Measuring Instruments Regulations of 2016, the head, frothy foam on top, doesn’t say whether this should be included in the measurements.
But many drinkers are also unaware that they are entitled to ask for a top-up if their pint is under-filled.
Kelvin Goodson, MSE’s appointed “BeerSavingExpert,” highlighted the importance of getting your money’s worth when enjoying a pint, especially during the summer and amidst the excitement of Euro 2024.
He said: “Summer‘s upon us, Euro 2024 is in full swing, and for me, there are few better ways to enjoy the sunshine and the football than in the company of a cold pint.
“I also like to know I’m getting the most beer for my brass, and I’m not afraid to say if my pint’s a bit big-headed – but that’s not the case for everyone.”
In 1993, the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) set up its own guidelines, which were then backed by the Department for Trade and Industry.
According to these guidelines:
- You’re entitled to a pint filled to the brim, or the line if your glass has one
- You should get at least 95% liquid
- If you don’t want up to 5% to be head, you can ask for a top-up
This means that if you’re unsatisfied with the pint you’ve been served, you have a right to ask for a top-up.
Kelvin added: “If your beer doesn’t measure up, simply head back to the bar – before taking a sip, clever clogs – and ask for your glass to be filled up.
“The BBPA’s guidelines state that pubs should be happy to top you up, so don’t worry about bar staff thinking you’re causing a fuss – you’re only asking for what you’ve paid for, after all.”
In the event that a top-up request is refused, the BBPA advises patrons to speak with the management to resolve the issue.
SAVE MONEY ON BEER
THE price of a pint these days is enough to have us crying into our beer.
Office for National Statistics data shows the price of a pint has skyrocketed 28% across the nation since 2019, or an average hike of £1.03 per beer.
But tap into these savvy tricks to pour pounds back into your purse . . .
SIGN UP TO APPS
Happy hours are still big business, but signing up for certain apps can be the key to freebies.
For example, Dusk allows members to discover the coolest pubs in their area, and you might be able to redeem a free drink on each outing.
To sign up, visit www.dusk.app.
SWITCH IT UP
If you are a bottled beer fan, you will usually save a few pennies by switching to tap.
But have you thought about buying your own mini kegs for home?
For example, Majerstic sells five-litre kegs of beer for just £20.
DON’T BE CAMRA-SHY
Sign up to be a member of the Campaign For Real Ale — Camra — and get some serious perks.
For £30.50 a year, members are given a wide range of deals, including £30 worth of real ale vouchers (these can be used at pubs including JD Wetherspoon, Castle Rock and Amber Taverns).
They also get 10% off products at thousands of pubs nationwide.
If you are the average drinker (118 pints a year, apparently) you could save a pretty penny.
Find out if more by visiting www1.camra.org.uk/membership/member-benefits.
ALE BE
You could save by choosing pubs that sell their own-brewed pale ales.
They will sell at a cheaper price per pint than those from an external brewery, according to The Good Pub Guide.
You could also opt for beers with lower alcohol content, as these tend to be cheaper — great if you just really like the taste of beer.
WETHERSPOONS LEADS THE WAY IN CHEAP PINTS
Office for National Statistics data shows the price of a pint has skyrocketed 28 per cent across the nation since 2019, or an average hike of £1.03 per beer.
But coming to the rescue are a series of Spoons boozers still selling pints for pennies.
At the top of the apex is The Church House in Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorkshire, where pints set set punters back only £3.19.
South Yorkshire residents are in luck when it comes to cheap pints – second on the list is also in the region, with The Horseshoe in Wombwell offering beers for just £3.23.
At equal second, The Sir William de Wessyngton in Washington, Tyne and Wear has pints up for the same price.
Tyne and Wear punters after a bargain beer can also flock to The Harry Clasper in Whickham to snap them up for £3.24.
On the flip-side, Londoners unsurprisingly cough the up the most coin at their local Spoons – eight of the top 10 most expensive are in the nation’s capital.
They include The Moon Under Water in Westminster (£6.77) The Willow Walk in Victoria (£6.48) and The Sir John Hawkshaw in the City of London (also £6.48).
But claiming the unwanted gong as the UK’s most expensive is a boozer in Edinburgh.
At The Sir Walter Scott, a pint is priced at £6.80.
The figures come after a study warned forking out £25 for a beer by 2040 may not be so unrealistic.