09/07/2026
Most of what you see from us is coffee, good food, smiles and the odd drama. We love what we do, and we hope that shows.
Today though, we'd like to share something that's close to our hearts.
Behind every independent café, pub and restaurant is a small business trying to balance rising costs. Every year it gets a little harder.
Badger & Bean has never just been about what's on the menu. It's the conversations across the counter, friends catching up over coffee, children choosing a cake, and our wonderful regulars who brighten our day. Those everyday moments are what make a local café part of the community.
When we look around Howden, we don't just see shops. We see people who have worked incredibly hard to build something for this town. Independent businesses give our high street its character. They create jobs, support other local businesses and give people a reason to spend time here. Once they're gone, they're very difficult to bring back.
That's why we're supporting chef and publican Tom Kerridge and the VAT's The Problem campaign.
The UK has one of the highest VAT rates for hospitality in Europe. While cafés, pubs and restaurants here pay 20% VAT, countries such as France, Spain and Italy charge 10%, and Germany charges 7%. That leaves independent hospitality businesses at a real disadvantage.
The campaign is asking the Government to reduce hospitality VAT from 20% to 10%. For businesses like ours, it could make a real difference. Not to make anyone rich, but to help independent cafés, pubs and restaurants stay open, keep local people employed and continue serving the communities that support them.
If you believe our high street is worth protecting, we'd be so grateful if you could spare a minute to sign the petition and share it with your family and friends.
👉 vatstheproblem.co.uk
Thank you for supporting Badger & Bean, and all the independent businesses that make Howden the place we all love.
The kettle's on, and we'd love to keep it that way.
Sarah, Keith and the Badger & Bean team
