The Guinness Price Hike: Why We're Holding Our Nerve at Lost and Found

You've probably seen the headlines by now. Diageo, the drinks giant behind Guinness, has announced that wholesale prices for Guinness Draught will rise by 5.2% from April 2026. That's roughly an extra 4p per pint at the wholesale level, and for many pubs, that cost is being passed straight on to you, the customer.

Some venues are already reporting real-terms increases closer to 7%. We've heard stories of pints creeping from £5.50 to nearly £7 in just a few years. It's a lot to swallow (pun intended), especially when you're just trying to enjoy a proper stout with your mates on a Friday night.

Here at Lost and Found, your favourite craft beer taproom on Ditchling Road in Fiveways, we've been having some serious chats about what this means for us, and, more importantly, for you.

Our Promise: We're Not Raising Our Prices (Yet)

Let's cut to the chase. We're not passing on the Guinness price hike to you. Not right now, anyway.

We know how much you love a creamy, velvet-smooth stout. We also know that the cost of living is relentless at the moment, rising bills, higher rents, grocery shops that make your eyes water. The last thing you need is your local taproom in Brighton adding to that stress.

So, for as long as we possibly can, we're holding our nerve and keeping our prices the same. That's our commitment to the Fiveways community. You've supported us through thick and thin, and we're not about to let a corporate price hike get in the way of good times.

Why Are Prices Going Up Everywhere?

It's not just Guinness, of course. The hospitality industry is being squeezed from every angle right now. April 2026 brings a fresh wave of business rates changes, national insurance hikes, and minimum wage increases. VAT for pubs remains stubbornly high. The big companies are passing on their costs, and smaller venues are left trying to make the numbers work.

Diageo says they're "carefully managing the rising cost of doing business" and keeping increases "to a minimum." But for independent Brighton venues like ours, even a small percentage here and there adds up fast. We're not a massive chain with shareholders to keep happy, we're a taproom run by people who genuinely love craft beer and the community we've built.

That's why we're choosing to absorb this cost for now. Because being an independent craft beer taproom means putting people before profit margins.

The Beauty of Choice: Brighton Beers and Local Stouts

Here's the thing: Guinness is a classic, and we get why people love it. But if you're open to a little adventure, there's a whole world of incredible stouts and dark beers right here in Brighton and Sussex, many of them just as delicious (if not more so), and all of them made by proper independent producers.

At Lost and Found, we've always been about discovery. Our taps rotate regularly, showcasing the best of Brighton breweries and Sussex's thriving craft beer scene. You'll find rich, roasty stouts, silky porters, and experimental dark ales that'll give any big-brand pint a run for its money.

Choosing local craft beer in Brighton isn't just about taste, it's about supporting the people who pour their hearts into every batch. It's about keeping money in the local economy, reducing food miles, and championing the kind of creativity that big corporations can't replicate. Every pint of Brighton craft beer you order is a vote for independence.

So next time you're at the bar, why not ask us what's on tap? We'll happily guide you through our selection, whether you're a stout superfan or just curious to try something new.

What Makes Lost and Found Different?

We're not just another taproom in Brighton. We're a genuine community hub in the heart of Fiveways, a cozy, friendly space where everyone's welcome, from craft beer newbies to seasoned hop-heads.

Our taps are carefully curated from local Brighton breweries and beyond, always prioritising quality, independence, and flavour. We're the counter-culture to big-label beer, proudly supporting brewers who stay rooted in their craft.

And it's not just about the beer. Lost and Found is an independent Brighton venue for all kinds of gatherings. Looking for a Brighton party venue for your birthday, hen do, or work celebration? We offer free venue hire with no fuss, just great vibes, brilliant drinks, and a team that actually cares about making your event special.

The Bigger Picture: Why Supporting Independents Matters

Every time you choose to drink at an independent craft beer taproom like ours, you're making a statement. You're saying that you value community over corporations, quality over convenience, and local over global.

The Guinness price hike is just one example of how the big players operate. Costs go up, prices go up, and the customer foots the bill. But at Lost and Found, we believe there's another way. We believe in transparency, in fair pricing, and in looking after the people who walk through our doors.

We've written before about the truth about Brighton's local beer scene and what 2026 holds for independent venues. It's not always easy out there for small businesses, but the support of our Fiveways community keeps us going.

Come In Before the World Goes Mad

Look, we can't promise to hold our prices forever. The reality of running an independent Brighton venue means we have to stay afloat, too. But for now, we're doing everything we can to keep your pint affordable and your experience brilliant.

So here's our invitation: pop in before the madness of April kicks in. Grab a stout (Guinness or otherwise), try something new from one of our rotating taps, and enjoy the kind of atmosphere you just won't find in a chain pub.

Whether you're after a quiet midweek drink, planning a party, or just want to explore the best craft beer Brighton has to offer, we're here for you. Check out what's on this week, browse our menu, or simply swing by Ditchling Road and say hello.

Let's Keep It Local

At the end of the day, we're all in this together. The cost of living crisis, the pressure on hospitality, the endless price hikes: none of it is going away overnight. But by sticking together and supporting independent taprooms in Brighton, we can keep the good times rolling.

Thank you for being part of our story. Thank you for choosing craft beer in Brighton, for celebrating with us, and for making Lost and Found the community hub it is today.

Now, who's ready for a pint?

See you at the bar.