A Bexleyheath pub operator has said he may shorten the opening hours of his pub amid the rise in energy bills and fears for the future of the hospitality sector.

Pete Marshall, the operator of the Kings Arms pub, said the energy bills at his pub have doubled and another 50 per cent increase is expected in the coming months.  

At the beginning of the year, he also noticed an increase in the cost of products that were being delivered to the pub.  

Pete may gradually shorten the opening hours and put a slight price increase on his drinks and food as a way of saving money.

The 41-year-old explained: “We're trying to find ways that will not ruin the customer’s experience when dining with us. 

"So, I sometimes ask myself, is it worth remaining open for an extra hour or two?

“In this time, we can turn off the ovens and fryers, so we can save a bit of money. 

“Otherwise, we may have to limit the customer’s experiences on things such as events, but we don’t want to do this. 

“It’s a shame because that takes away from what our big focus is, which has always been to give a good experience for the customers.  

“But that doesn't mean that we're still not providing a good experience.

“It's tough juggling everything together but we’re trying our best.” 

The average energy price increase for hospitality businesses now sits at 238 per cent, with more than 70 per cent of organisations in the industry witnessing their bills more than double, according to the Trade Advocacy UK. 

Pete says he fears that most businesses will not be able to survive and may shut down due to the crisis. 

He told the News Shopper: "Luckily for us we're not in this position but other businesses may have to shut down.

"It's a hard pill to swallow but with everything increasing some people have no choice but to shut."

Despite the rise in energy bills, Pete still wants to find ways to give back to his customer’s so they can make the most of their experience. 

He decided to launch a new meal offer to help feed families of four for £20.  

The offer, known as Family Time, includes a meal for a family where children can order any main courses of their choice from the kid’s menu and a scoop of ice cream. 

Adults will have the choice of one main meat or vegetarian course each, which will be freshly prepared. 

Pete said: “I thought of this idea while I was out to dinner with my wife and two kids.  

“The bill came to around £90 when we went, so I thought, how is this sustainable for other families to go out and enjoy themselves. 

“I then thought of the Family Time idea.

“It doesn’t make much of a different to us, there is no profit in it either, just something to help others during the difficult time.” 

Pete said the hospitality community should try and give back to their customers if possible, as a way of supporting them in a time of crisis.

He explained:” If everyone does whatever they can, whether it be a business or an individual, then that will only bring everyone together.  

“Of course, it’s not an easy thing to do but I’m sure it’ll help everyone in the long run.” 

The Kings Arms has also made the final in three categories of The Great British Pub awards.

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