UK restaurant and coffee prices rise by up to 26% in two years

Since 2020, the prices of some of the most popular meals, snacks, and beverages on the high street have increased by up to 26%, as food outlets face the highest inflation since the 1980s. As a result of rising heating costs, labor shortages, and ingredient costs, restaurant owners predict widespread closures.

According to UKHospitality, which represents approximately 740 companies, food businesses are battling inflation of approximately 18% on their total costs, including food and energy bills. This means that some popular menu items are increasing in price for consumers.

Since October 2020, a half chicken at Nando’s chicken restaurants has increased from £6.75 to £8.50 (a 26 percent increase); 10 chicken wings are now £11.75 instead of £9.60 (a 22 percent increase); and a Choc-A-Lot cake dessert has increased from £4.15 to £4.75 (a 14 percent increase).

Over the same time period, the price of a spaghetti chorizo carbonara meal at Zizzi in central London has increased by 22%, from £11.70 to £14.25; a chicken and prosciutto salad has increased by 18%, from £12.25 to £14.50; and sweet potato fries have increased by 9%, from £3.90 to £4.20.

A portion of halloumi fries at the 25-restaurant Real Greek chain has increased in price by 17%, from £5.95 to £6.95; a souvlaki wrap has increased by 16%, from £6.45 to £7.50; and a portion of salt cod has increased by 15%, from £6.90 to £7.95.

McDonald’s announced in July that it would increase the price of its cheeseburger by 20%, from 99 pence to £1.19. It stated that this was the first price increase in 14 years.

Analysis conducted by coffee supplier UCC and published earlier this year revealed that the price of popular coffees increased by as much as 22% between August 2021 and July 2022. The beverages purchased in Buckinghamshire included a small Starbucks espresso, which increased from £1.80 to £2.20 (22%), a medium Pret a Manger cappuccino, which increased from £2.75 to £3.05 (11%) and a flat white from Caffe Nero, which increased from £2.85 to £3.00 (5%).

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