Why are fewer English people going to their local pubs for a drink? Are they aware that many pubs are shutting down due to lack of customers?
Last Updated: 17.06.2025 13:30
You have to understand what the attraction of the English pub was in the first place.
In the mid to late 20th century they added food, without the inconvenience of cooking it or washing up.
They need to offer either food of a quality you can’t get at home (true gastro-pub experience) or alternative entertainments - live music, poker nights, sports viewing etc.
You can get a wider range of quality drinks at lower prices from a supermarket
But now:
Your home has more comfortable seating and a garden
What is one thing which you cannot stop however hard you try?
Back in the day (early 20th century and before) the English pub offered things you couldn’t get in a working-class home:
You have 1001 sources of entertainment on TV and the Internet
Entertainment (pre TV and radio)
Comfortable seating in a warm, cozy environment, or a nice pub garden
The pubs with the best chance of survival long-term recognize that they can’t just get away with the same 3 beers, ropey wine and pub-grub. Why pay more for something worse than you can get at home for less?
You can get takeaway or even cook yourself a wider range of food of good quality
A range of alcoholic drinks