Speaking to The Standard, Burnham said London pubs were “possibly better than some in the North of England” and named the Dog House in Kennington as one of his favourites in the capital.
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He said: “The trouble is, I’ve probably been in pretty much every one over the years, because I mean it when I say I love London, and I love London pubs for certain.
“I think London pubs are even possibly better than some in the North of England. You are spoilt for pubs, so I could reel off a lot. The Dog House in Kennington is one that I always feel quite fond of. I’ve had many a good night in there.”
Pub support
The comments follow a series of pub focused interventions from Burnham since entering Number 10.
Less than a week into office, his Government announced pubs, social clubs and live music venues would receive a 20% cut to business rates bills from April next year.
At the time, Downing Street said the move would benefit almost 32,000 businesses and save the typical pub an estimated £1,100 in the next financial year.
Burnham said then: “For too long, governments have stood by while cherished venues have disappeared from our local high streets. So today I am changing that.
This Government will back the businesses that people want to see in their communities.
Burnham
Sector confidence
The Prime Minister also used the first edition of People’s Major Questions, a new social media Q&A, to say pubs “need support” and “will get it” from his Government.
Asked how he would support Britain’s pubs amid declining trade, Burnham said: “I’m a big pub person. So important. British history, British heritage is wrapped up in our pubs.”
The Government has also launched an independent review into how pubs and hotels are valued for business rates in England and Wales, alongside a new £10m Hospitality Grant Scheme to support independent pubs, restaurants and cafés.
Recent polling from the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA), British Institute of Innkeeping (BII), UKHospitality and Hospitality Ulster also suggested hospitality optimism had more than doubled following Burnham’s business rates pledge.
However, trade bodies and operators have continued to warn that tax, employment costs, business rates and wider operating pressures remain major barriers to investment and growth.
