New YouGov research has found that the British public are mostly now without a ‘local’, despite the traditional view that the Great British pub is the centre of social life.
With over 17,000 fewer pubs in 2011 than in 1982 in the UK, and 26 pubs are closing every week, it’s clear the role of pubs has been and is changing.
Pubs in decline
The research shows that the majority (57%) of GB adults say there is no particular pub they would call their ‘local’, with only 38% saying there is, and 5% not sure. The statistic is uniform across gender, age and region.
On the other hand, the majority of people (53%) think the decline in the number of pubs in recent years is bad, while only 13% are pleased.
A recent YouGov market intelligence report found that 63% say the pub is no longer the heart of the community – a view shared by 55% of 18-24 year olds, though more prominent among those drinking in the heyday of British pubs.
40% also think pubs should do more to help organise local festivals and community events.
Traditional pubs are still desirable
Despite the views above, pubs are second only to restaurants as the most popular venue for a social occasion. 30% say they go to a pub most often for social occasions, while only 4% prefer bars and 2% prefer nightclubs.
Despite pub chains able to offer beer at low cost, it is still ‘tradition’ that Britons look for in a drinking establishment, with the “country pub” (cosy, quiet, countryside setting), favoured by 43% of Britons and followed closely by the “traditional pub” (no frills, traditional decor, local crowd), which is preferred by 38% and, interestingly, is even the most popular establishment among 18-24 year olds.
Chain pubs (inexpensive beer, more modern, no frills), in fact, are only preferred by 15% – the same amount as who favour gastropubs – though unsurprisingly are more popular among the young.