An exploration of recent trends in the number of British pubs and how these vary by neighbourhood type

Abstract

The common narrative in the media is that the British public house is in terminal decline and that these losses are having a significant impact on local communities. While it is true that some pubs are closing, it is also true that others are opening. This article examines the quarterly trend of pub numbers over eight years in various neighbourhoods and utilises a multilevel model to estimate and illustrate these trends. City and town centres with a thriving night-time economy show the most significant increases in pub numbers, whereas suburban areas show a more mixed picture, with pubs in less affluent areas performing better. The areas where reductions are most pronounced are rural locations, especially remote rural communities. The article concludes with an analysis of the reasons behind these trends and suggests avenues for future research.