Number of pubs in the United Kingdom (UK) 2000-2020

How many pubs are there in the UK?

There were approximately 46,800 pubs operating in the United Kingdom in 2020. This represented a decrease of approximately 8,600 pubs in the last ten years, and a decline of over 14,000 pubs since 2000.

Why are pubs in decline in the UK?

Public houses, once considered an important pillar of British communities, have faced several challenges related to changing consumer behavior. The 2007 indoor smoking ban and rising alcohol prices deterred people from drinking in pubs, sparking a trend in ‘pre-loading’ on cheap supermarket-bought alcohol before going out. Socializing at home has also become more common place thanks to developments in technology and home entertainment. Not to mention younger generations are drinking less, with many 16-24-year olds choosing to not drink alcohol at all.

Impact of COVID-19 on the UK pub industry

For an industry already struggling with closures, the COVID-19 pandemic only added to the burden. A lockdown in March 2020 forced pubs to close their doors, and although many were able to resume business in August of that year, a second lockdown sparked fears that it could be the final straw for thousands of pubs and breweries. Still, pubs remain at the heart of British culture, with pubs focusing on food becoming increasingly popular and overall suffering fewer closures compared to typical bars. Trends in craft beer also gave pubs a boost, with new drink assortments and microbreweries catering to different tastes.