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: 29.06.2025 00:55
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?
Entertainment (pre TV and radio)
You can get a wider range of quality drinks at lower prices from a supermarket
CNBC's UK Exchange newsletter: No easy answers for Reeves - CNBC
You have to understand what the attraction of the English pub was in the first place.
A range of alcoholic drinks
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.
‘Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster’ Review: Not Exactly HD - Forbes
You can get takeaway or even cook yourself a wider range of food of good quality
Comfortable seating in a warm, cozy environment, or a nice pub garden
In the mid to late 20th century they added food, without the inconvenience of cooking it or washing up.
Have you ever heard of the god Priapus being the same as the god Phosphorus?
But now:
Back in the day (early 20th century and before) the English pub offered things you couldn’t get in a working-class home:
Your home has more comfortable seating and a garden
How many wishes do people get on their birthday?
You have 1001 sources of entertainment on TV and the Internet