A pint with change from a pound

The company also boasts several £2.99 meals, as well as cheaper wines and spirits.

Many health groups have criticised the move, claiming it will provoke binge drinking. But visitors to the pub argued the reduction of some beers to ’80s prices was a positive step, as long as it was enjoyed responsibly.

A bottle of San Miguel can cost up to £3.60 elsewhere in the Wharf.

Regular and Limehouse resident Steve Russell said: “It’s a really good deal. As long as you’re sensible, you can get a little more change in your pocket.

“I drink IPA every day anyway, and it’s just like going back in time. I remember paying 99p a pint when I first visited a Wetherspoons in Bethnal Green around 15 years ago.�

Wharf worker Mandy Jones, who works for an investment management firm, said: “It’s only fair that there’s a chepaer range on offer at the moment.

“People aren’t going to stop drinking if you put prices up to ridiculous levels.�

Business project manager Len Tarling said: “I don’t drink the IPA because it’s a bit weak, but I love real ales.
“Anything that increases trade and keeps bars open is a good thing, as long as you’re being responsible.

"There are also cheap food offers, so it’s not just about the drink.�

Many bars and restaurants in the UK are now posting offers as the traditionally-light New Year period kicks in. But Alcohol Concern chief executive Don Shenker believes this could lead to increased abuse.

He advocated reducing meal and soft drink prices instead.

He said: “Understandably in the current climate, businesses need to be competitive and people are worried by living costs.

“However, alcohol is not an ordinary commodity like bread or milk. Alcohol causes harm to the nation’s health and economy and there appears to be a strong link between cheap alcohol and the high levels of binge drinking.�

Greene King has hit out at the chain, with managing director Justin Adams claiming to be “extremely disappointed� by the discount on his firm’s product.

But Mark Hastings of the British Beer and Pub Association pointed out that five UK pubs were closing each day.

He said: “Discounts are used throughout the retail trade as a way of bringing in new customers, not necessarily to serve more to the same ones.

“Everyone in the pub trade at the moment is looking at how to provide the best possible product at the best possible price.�

Ledger Building manager John Wall argued the reduction would help introduce more people to cask ales, and that the 3.6 per cent ABV ale was not a high-alcohol beer.

He said: “Our pub is stricter than most in serving people under the influence and under 21.

“If we make savings in our purchases we always pass them on to the customers. The focus should be on supermarket discounting, where you can buy some beers for 33p a bottle.

“We’re in a credit crunch, so we have to be competitive.

“We’re not doing giveaway offers such as buy one, get one free deals that encourage people to drink more. We’re offering people the chance to eat and drink in a pub at a price they can afford.�