HEREFORDSHIRE has been named as the 11th cheapest place to buy a pint out of more than 40 UK areas.

The 2010 Good Pub Guide, which says that the average pint in the county costs £2.58, well below the national average of £2.81.

However the good news for drinkers was accompanied by a warning from the chairman of Herefordshire Campaign for Real Ale Paul Grenfell.

He said that, due to rising VAT and barley prices, the £4 pint “would happen” at some point. He did add, however, that Herefordshire is usually one of the later areas to feel the national pinch.

“We lag behind the national average and we’ve got plenty of local brewers who keep the price low,” he said. “But it’s bad news in terms of people going to the pub and pubs staying alive. There will be a significant price hike at some point.”