Northampton-based Carlsberg is the latest brewer to warn of a rise in the wholesale price of its beers following similar announcements by Inbev and Coors, with all firms blaming the soaring cost of raw materials.

It means drinks like Carlsberg, Carling, Grolsch, Becks and Stella Artois will cost pubs and retailers about three per cent more, and some of that will be passed on to customers.

Rachel Warburton, of the Shipmans pub in Drum Lane, Northampton, said it was bad news for customers.

She said: "The breweries might be talking about three per cent rises but by the time it gets to the customer it could be more than that.

"Times are tight at the moment so I think some customers will be put off and I think most will probably grumble a bit and go elsewhere.

"Chain pubs can afford to absorb the increases and keep the prices down a bit but independents like us will lose out."

Carlsberg said it would be introducing a 2.3 per cent increase from October 6.

In a statement the company said it was facing a 50 per cent rise in the price of malt, an increase of more than 100 per cent on hops, and a jump in its utility bills.

It added: "The rise in costs of raw materials and utilities has been unprecedented, therefore on this occasion we have been left with no alternative."

But the news could mean a possible boon for real ale pubs, their regulars and even, argued Mike Evans of the Malt Shovel Tavern in Bridge Street, those who normally drink lager.

He said: "Not only will switching to real ale help people save money they might be able to taste something for a change."