DRINK-LED PUB NUMBERS FALLING V FOOD-LED PUBS NUMBER ON THE INCREASE

The number of pubs and bars in the UK fell by 2.6% during the year with pubs serving predominantly drinks bearing the brunt of the closures.  Closures included a fall in community pub numbers, reflecting the continuing shift to food and consumer eating out occasions.

It has been reported recently that there are now more restaurants with licences in Great Britain than drink-led community locals.

Branded food pubs saw a growth of 9% in numbers with urban areas being the main focus for the new growth. Food-led sites, including restaurants and pubs increasing 5.9% while the number of drink-led businesses remained largely static.

Whilst this seems disappointing that the traditional drink-led local is in decline, this has led to a new lease of life for many pubs in suburban and rural areas as the “local” embracing the “move to food”.

Times are changing in many areas of business and it seems that even the trusted local is moving with the times. Hopefully you will still be visiting your local for some time to come, but now you may also be able to have a meal with your tipple rather than just a packet of crisps.