Nottingham pubs and business owners speak out about life in the cost of living crisis

The cost-of-living crisis has affected everyone and with the Consumer Prices Index rising by 8.9 per cent in the 12 months to March 2023.

We spent the afternoon walking around the city centre talking to those behind the figures.

Handmade Nottingham

Known for its unique greeting cards and gifts, all made by independent designers, Homemade Nottingham, found on 8 King’s Walk, is still thriving despite the economic changes.

Charlie Reed at Handmade said “We surprisingly have done better than we thought” and added, “This week has definitely seen an improvement in the weather, which is a good sign.” He revealed how “our electric bill has doubled but we can’t change our prices because the designers themselves determine the prices.”

The shop has been open for 8 years and is hopeful that the next year will stay steady.

Effy

This trendy city centre coffee shop is currently on 15 Hounds Gate, but have big plans to move to Hockley, a decision influenced by their needing more space to bake their good, cutting back the pennies.

We spoke to Will Baxter who said “Our regulars still purchase from our secondary menu which is a bit more on the pricey side but I’ve noticed most customers still get the cheaper alternatives.” He added, “We have never and will never charge for oat milk which keeps our customer base strong.”

The owner realised they had to start baking their bakery goods because it’s a cheaper way of not compromising the product value, and despite it being time-consuming, it’s better for business.

This change has adapted the business allowing them to move to Hockley meaning extra space for baking and double the amount of seating. They hope this natural step up only means positive things for the well-loved coffee shop.

Dinner Jackets

For thirty years this jacket potato food van has served thousands on Albert Street and is having to increase prices to keep up the cost of living crisis.

Andrew Kemp, a business owner, revealed “Prices are going through the roof, we spend £350 a week on cheese alone” and added, “Every time we go to the wholesale, the prices change”.

This local business like to help regular homeless people and doesn’t want to increase prices because they know how much everyone is struggling.

“It’s been a big change for us and hope there are no more surprises this year.”

Hop Merchant

The city centre sports bar is continuing to see customers even during the economic crisis.

Bartender, Lauryn Milsom said, “I think people are finding it more difficult to enjoy the luxury of enjoying going out and drinking, but we still have our regulars and are still packed on match days.”

The traditional family-friendly pub has had to increase their prices by 40p a difference which allows them to keep afloat and are hopeful to stay steady throughout the year.

Hole in the Wall

Megan Freeman, a bartender, praises the pub for being cheaper than most places in Nottingham.

She said “We are busy but overly busy, we get a lot of locals like elderly couples coming in for a pint and a lot of students”

They are hopeful that over the summer things will go well with their new beer garden, but still, they’ve had to increase their prices by 10p/15p.

Megan added, “If we keep our prices cheap, we keep the customers, we do have a tab scheme for a few trusted customers where they can pay when they can because even though people are struggling, they should still have a good time.”