Leeds CAMRA has revealed the results of a census, taken to establish the impact the pandemic has had on venues selling real ale.
Groups of members were tasked with surveying a handful of pubs each. The goal was to understand how many real ale-selling bars were still open, how many were still selling real ale, and what types of real ales were available.
Leeds CAMRA chair, Mike Hampshire, said: “The headline figure is that the number of real ale-selling bars in Leeds city centre has reduced, as has the number of real ales available.”
“Since we last did the census, in 2018, nine bars have closed, seven are still open but have stopped selling real ale, and we have had six new openings. Back in 2019 we had 184 real ales available, but in the most recent census that had reduced to 149.”
It’s not all bad news, though. “On a positive note, it does point to the resilience of many bars to still be trading in light of various lockdowns and trading restrictions. However, it is worth remembering that all those businesses who have come out of the other side are now dealing with additional debt, high and increasing supplier costs, and low staffing levels.
“Consumers are also still uncertain about heading out and socialising, and that is evidenced in the drop in real ale availability. Due to the short shelf life of real ale, it’s often the first thing that is sacrificed on the bar to help control costs and waste.”
Perfect storm
Mike said the fear was that, although things are moving forward from pandemic restrictions, there is still a perfect storm of high debt and high operating costs that will inevitably see some beer businesses close. Not just bars, but breweries too.
“However, despite that, it is good to see an increase in the number of Leeds City Centre bars supporting our local breweries,” said Mike. “Last time, beers from nine of our breweries were available on bars. However, this time, 12 breweries were represented.”
The census results showed that Leeds city centre has a new number one real ale on the bars. Previously, Leeds Brewery’s Pale Ale was the most widely available pint. Today, that accolade is now with Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, which at the time of the census was available in ten city centre bars.
