Heston Blumenthal calls for pub VAT cut

The chef, who runs The Hind's Head in Bray, Berkshire, said pubs were "at the heart of Britain's social fabric"

Heston Blumenthal has called on the government to do more to stop the closure of pubs in the United Kingdom.

The chef, who runs The Hind's Head in Bray, Berkshire, said pubs were "at the heart of Britain's social fabric" and said the government should support them with a "permanent VAT reduction".

At 20%, the UK has one of the highest rates of VAT for hospitality in Europe, he said.

A government spokesperson said they were doing a number of things to help pubs, such as cutting license costs and extending businesses rates relief.

Research from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), published in February, found 289 pubs in England and Wales had closed in 2024 - the equivalent of more than five per week.

"Saving the Great British Pub is about more than nostalgia - it is about preserving spaces that bring people together, support local economies and keep traditions alive," Blumenthal wrote on Instagram, in a joint post with magazine Chef Publishing.

"Pubs are at the heart of Britain's social fabric, offering far more than just a place to buy a pint."

He went on: "When a pub closes, it's not just a business lost; it's a piece of local heritage and of course somewhere to enjoy a drink and food with great company."

A government spokesperson said: "Pubs are vital to local communities, that's why we're cutting the cost of licensing, helping more pubs, cafes and restaurants offer pavement drinks and al fresco dining, and extended business rates relief for these businesses - on top of cutting alcohol duty on draught pints and capping corporation tax."