It is no longer a secret that both consumers and pubs have been hit hard by the current economic crisis. Decreasing footfall resulting from skyrocketing inflation, rising energy costs, staff shortages… this explosive cocktail of challenges for pubs is more prevalent each day. As a result, hundreds of locals are on the edge of closing (750 pubs are predicted to close in the first half of 2024 (1)).
This is why over 50 pubs have decided to join the CityStack initiative which aims to support independent pubs and help Londoners socialise within their budget.
This £25 stack of beer mats lets pub lovers get £100 worth of food and drink at the pubs that are part of the collection. Each pack includes a special beer mat which gives £10 off a £20 spend at any ten the 50+ London pubs, handpicked by the CityStack team. It also comes with a map and a stack of collectible informative beer mats to learn more about a selection of fantastic London pubs.
How does it work?
Pick a pub on the map
Visit the pub & order whatever you’d like
Time to pay? Show the special beer mat and have it stamped to get £10 off
Do it all again with another pub!
Amazing renowned independent pubs such as the Dog and Bell, the Faltering Fullback, the Windmill, the Newman Arms, Skehan’s, the Kenton and the Pelton Arms are now part of this initiative to encourage Londoners to visit independent businesses.
These fantastic local pubs are willing to offer exclusive discounts with CityStack because it drives people to visit and discover them. Consumers save money, and the pubs gain new customers, it’s a win-win!
Christmas is the perfect season for this initiative. We want to encourage pub lovers to visit independent pubs just after they receive this unique gift for Christmas, during the quietest period of the year (January to March) which is usually an extremely challenging season for these businesses due to lower footfall.
A unique Christmas gift to support small and independent pubs
The decrease in revenues caused by Londoners' budgeting less towards going out, added to the increase of costs, results in a serious challenge to keep the hospitality businesses running.
Not to mention the massive staff shortage disruptions (it was already volatile post the covid pandemic, but it became markedly worse). Some pubs are finding it increasingly difficult to keep hold of staff because they no longer can afford to live in big cities like London anymore. As a result, landlords and managers must multitask to keep their business sustainable.
While big chains may be well equipped to weather the current economic situation, it’s much harder for independent businesses to keep their business afloat.
This is why we decided to help prevent the disappearance of these businesses that are part of the UK’s DNA with a unique Christmas gift for pub lovers and launched CityStack.
About CityStack
CityStack was initiated in 2021 by Alison, a pub aficionado, and a group of ten great independent London pubs. Together, they launched a two-weeks crowdfunding campaign for Christmas, where the target was smashed in a very short period of time.
Since then, CityStack started to generate sales both online, and in retail independent shops, and more pubs have shown interest in joining the movement.
In 2023, the CityStack team asked their community to recommend the best independent pubs in London and visited hundreds of independent pubs across the city to handpick some of the best hidden gems.
The goal? Allow more independent pubs to highlight why people should visit them and bring people back to the pubs!
Ali Von Lion, London Pub Explorer
Whether for a partner, relative or the work Secret Santa, the concept offers incredible value for money and benefits both the punter and the indie pub.  Ali Von Lion, London Pub Explorer |
(1) Source: Morning Advertiser article – 750 pubs set to close in first half of 2024
Even though prices are continually rising, it’s nice to know that there are businesses out there that are working to help you have a good time on a budget. We at CityStack are dedicated to supporting independent pubs and helping people do the things they love whilst saving money. If you’re interested in saving £100 at amazing indie pubs, take a look at our packs of money saving beer mats.
