**West Yorkshire Pub to Serve Beer at Just 7p a Pint in Honour of VE Day Anniversary**
A West Yorkshire pub is offering locals the chance to turn back the clocks and enjoy a pint for the astonishing price of just 7p – mirroring the cost of a beer in 1945. This nostalgic offer comes as part of The Flying Duck’s celebration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, an event that continues to hold a special place in British hearts.
To mark this significant milestone, The Flying Duck in Ilkley has promised to sell 80 pints of Wharfedale Brewery Gold at the 1945 price on 8 May. The gesture pays homage to the end of World War II in Europe and allows patrons to experience a slice of history – or, at the very least, a taste of it. Back in the mid-20th century, a pint would have set customers back around 1 shilling and 3d, roughly equivalent to 7p today.
This unique initiative stands in stark contrast to current pub prices. With the average cost of a pint in the UK nudging £5, the discount on offer is staggering – a whopping 99%. Understandably, the announcement has generated an enthusiastic response online, with local drinkers joking that national pub chain Wetherspoons might experience a quiet spell while the offer lasts.
Gerard Simpson, Operations Director for both The Flying Duck and the onsite Wharfedale Brewery, elaborated on the motivation behind the event. “We wanted to do something memorable to mark 80 years since VE Day. The idea of serving 80 pints at 80-year-old prices just seemed like a great fit. Because we brew our own beer, we can offer this without it being a crippling loss – not something many chain pubs could realistically attempt,” Simpson explained.
Patrons hoping to secure a pint at this historically low price will need to act quickly. Once the first 80 pints have been served, normal prices resume. Simpson highlighted the community aspect of the initiative, stating: “We’re proud of our local roots and enjoy supporting area charities. Events like this help bring people together and celebrate what makes our area special.”
Social media users have wasted no time in reacting to the throwback offer. Comments ranged from tongue-in-cheek predictions of a quiet Wetherspoons to simple excitement, with one user exclaiming: “Sounds like a great time!” This underlines the continued relevance of VE Day commemorations, which serve as an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and community spirit.
The Flying Duck’s gesture is more than just a publicity stunt. It speaks to the enduring traditions of British public houses, which have long been places not just for refreshment, but for bringing people together in times of national pride and remembrance. The connection to Wharfedale Brewery further cements it as a local institution invested in the history and future of West Yorkshire.
As the UK grapples with rising costs in many sectors – not least the beloved pint of beer – the event offers a rare moment of joy and nostalgia. For one afternoon only, for a lucky few, the price of a pint will be just as it was when Britain celebrated the end of war in Europe.
While such throwback pricing isn’t sustainable in the modern era, The Flying Duck’s 7p pints provide a heartfelt nod to a key moment in history. For those able to secure one of those 80 special beers, it’s sure to be a memory savoured long after the pint has been drained.