SOME of Swindon's favourite beers are likely to cost 10p more from Monday.

Arkell's brewery has had to put up prices, blaming rising costs, particularly electricity, for the increase.

But Chris Piper, the licensee at the King's Arms in Wood Street, was relaxed about the increase.

He said: "The price of beer always goes up. It's the way life is, I'm afraid.

"But all the other breweries are putting their prices up. It's just a question of costs. Fuel goes up and everything goes up.

"You can't attribute the blame for this to Arkell's it's just one big vicious circle."

Mr Piper confirmed that he would be passing the price increase on to the customer.

He said: "I think people get used to these rises."

At the bar, two managing directors were supping on pints of Arkells 3B.

Bob Hocking, 59, of Blunsdon, said: "To be honest I have no real objections to the rise. The reasons are probably extra overheads.

"There is probably a lot of competition out there but I don't think I really shop around for cheap beer.

"I like Arkell's in certain pubs and it is very good here. It probably takes a lot of looking after.

Mike Noble, 52, of Freshbrook, agreed with his friend, that price is not the most important factor when he comes to deciding where and what to drink.

He said: "We go where the beer is good and we like the staff and the environment."

James Arkell, managing director of Arkell's brewery, said: "Arkell's has been forced to put up the price of a pint of beer in its managed houses by 10p from Monday February 13.

"Arkell's is always very reluctant to increase its prices, and has indeed held off doing so for some months, until there was no alternative.

"As every business will recognise, energy costs such as electricity have risen by up to 70 per cent in some cases and other business costs, such as staff, have also risen significantly over the last few months.

"Many other breweries put their prices up earlier in the year, but Arkell's was determined to keep its prices the same for as long as possible."

Are they taking the rise?

SOME drinkers are not happy that they will have to shell out more for a pint.

But all those we spoke to last night agreed that Arkell's was the best tipple.

Not one drinker said that they would switch to a cheaper alternative.

Cyril Nicholl, 84, of Hyde Road, has enjoyed the locally-produced beer since he was 17 years old.

"I remember when it was only 8p a pint," grumbled the pensioner at his local, The Moonraker's in Cricklade Road.

The pensioner, who took part in the Arnhem campaign during the Second World War, added: "My favourite 3Bs is a good pint of beer but it's not worth all that money."

His pal John Young, 56, of Whitworth Road, agreed.

"Arkell's put it down to a rise in electricity costs, but just look at the amount of lights this place has it's far too bright in here," he said.

"I could buy a four pack of beer over the road in the Co-op. This rise is totally out of order."

Down the road at the Baker's Arms, Jason Bristow was also enjoying a pint of 3Bs.

The 19-year-old, of Beechcroft Road, said: "A 10p rise is a bit steep, isn't it? But I don't think it will stop people drinking Arkell's.

"If you like the taste of a beer you'll carry on drinking that even though you might have to pay a bit more."

Jason said 3Bs was on par with his usual drink of Carling lager.

"It's nice and smooth so it goes down well," he said. "It also has a nice aftertaste."