Decline of traditional pubs?

Question

Does anyone know if there's an article anywhere describing the decline in the quantity of traditional English pubs during the past 10 years or so? (Traditional being a non chain pub with a private landlord and perhaps the traditional public bar/lounge bar configuration).

I'm struck by how dramatically the big chain pubs - like Wetherspoons - have altered the atmosphere and culture of the English pub in relation not just to ambience but also in terms of a generally but not always crap quality of service.

At first I thought that, in terms of buying power and emphasis on stocking good label beer, companies like Wetherspoons would be a good thing at least in comparison to the behaviour of old brewery chains like Whitbread. But the service really is bloody terrible and I wonder if the new chain pubs even have the experience to keep the beer and prepare the food as it should be.

I was trying to find a traditional English pub to show a friend from overseas and I actually couldn't find one in my home town. When I did find one the amazing thing was that the lack of flash interior was easily made up for by the friendly service and nicely kept beer (although the selection wasn't great).

My other experience was trying to find a pub that accepts dogs - there are now very, very few. The thing that struck me was that even 10 years ago this wasn't a problem. I don't think it's just about food service either.

Things have changed so dramatically that I wonder if there's been any respectable - possibly even academic - debate on the issue in print. I can't find any and I have looked.

Stupidly on Thursday night I went to my local Wetherspoons for some food and drink. 25 minutes waiting to be served in no particular order resulted in crappy beer, cold food and witness to an anti-social piss head trying to throw a punch at a doorman. The pratt had been "brewing" for quite a while (I could see it) but he continued to be served by bar staff who either didn't have skill to spot the potential problem or the confidence to refuse him.

I don't enjoy going to pubs anymore and I think it's less about how I've changed (I don't think I have) and more about how pubs have changed. It's actually quite sad.

Gareth.

valeofbelvoirdrinker · Accepted Answer

One thing that strikes us in the Vale of Belvoir is the change in ago the villages were populated with agricultural andother workers and the pubs reflected this. Now the locals have wellpaid jobs in nearby towns and cities;the pubs struggle to stay open atlunchtimes early in the week and the clientele demand differentsurroundings.We do have some excellent traditional pubs but most ofthem have had to find a niche in the market.

PeterE · Answer

There are still a fair number around in Stockport, but I agree their numbers have been greatly whittled down in the past ten years.

So many pubs now concentrate on food to the exclusion of all else and are not at all welcoming to the casual drinker.

Overall I certainly visit pubs less than I did ten or fifteen years ago and the declining quality of the experience is a major factor in that. There is no point in a pub having an array of delectable real ales if it is a soulless, uncomfortable barn.

MadCow · Answer

In message , PeterE  writesI'd add, that in a traditional pub there's no dividing line between the proprietors, staff and customers.  Uniforms on the servants are totally incompatible with the concept of a public house, which is that you're a guest in someone's own place.  You're not a customer who is always right: nobody is always right, though your host always has certain rights.

Uncle Dunkel · Answer

I'll say! The situation is much worse in most places.

Joyce Whitchurch · Answer

Sounds like your average beer festival venue to me, and yet many of us turn out for those.

PeterE · Answer

I doubt whether most people would choose a beer festival for their regular drinking haunt, though - it's a special event where the choice of beer and the company compensates for the uncongeniality of the venue.

Richard Brooks · Answer

Maybe so, although just because a festival is in a large venue it doesn't have to be considered a "soulless, uncomfortable barn":

formatting link

Cheers

Blackfire band website :

formatting link

Bristol & District Campaign for Real Ale :

formatting link

MadCow · Answer

In message , Richard Brooks  writesOurs is a soulless uncomfortable tent, and crowded, but we get a great many comments on the happy festival atmosphere.

Decline of traditional pubs?

Join the Discussion

Didn't find your answer?