This post came in from popular Ryan’s Bar in Belfast, any wonder bars, cafes & restaurants are closing all over the country. We’re all going to hell in a handcart.
Our recent business rates revaluation has come in!
Our annual rates have increased from £51,900 to £85,000 — a rise of £33,100, or 63%. (Despite this, we don’t even receive bin collections, so we also have to pay an additional £13,000 per year for waste removal.)
Our gas and electricity costs have risen significantly too, increasing from £28,000 in 2019 to £45,000 in 2025 — a 60% increase.
Last year, changes to National Insurance thresholds and rates, combined with wage increases, added £60,000 to our wage bill. While we did introduce some price increases, we absorbed a portion of these costs as it simply wasn’t realistic to pass them all on.
This April, our wage bill will rise by a further £25,000 per year.
At the same time, food and drink suppliers continue to increase their prices.
We’re proud to offer outstanding value, with two courses for £15, and we’re committed to maintaining that price point. Drink prices will have to increase but we aim to keep those rises to a minimum.
Thankfully, we remain busy, and for now the jobs of our amazing staff our safe.
We do, however, worry for other businesses facing the same pressures.
Support your pubs. Use them or lose them.
We look forward to welcoming you all and providing you with the best value we can in these difficult times in hospitality.
“ If you’re going to try, go all the way. Otherwise don’t even start “ Charles Bukowski.
