In 2024, there were 45,000 pubs operating in the United Kingdom. This denoted a slight decrease from the previous year, and continued the downward trend that had been in place since at least 2000. What is the largest pub chain in the UK? In the 2023 financial year, Stonegate ranked as the selected leading pub chain in the UK in terms of units, with over 4,000 properties under its management. Meanwhile, the popular chain JD Wetherspoon had 800 properties. 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. More recently, the cost of living crisis in the UK has put extra pressure onto consumers' wallets and purses, making eating and drinking out too expensive for many.

As of January 2023, 37 percent of British adults stated that they visited a pub once a fortnight for food and drinks. Meanwhile, nine percent said that they bought food and drinks at pubs once a week and half of respondents said 'never'.

Counts of pubs across in England and Wales. Geographies include local authority districts (LADs), built up areas (BUAs) and combined authorities.

Over the five years through 2024-25, Pubs & Bars revenue is expected to edge downwards at compound annual rate of 5.5%. It's no surprise falling alcohol consumption isn’t good news for pubs and bars have. Britons’ sharp focus on health and well-being means the number of individuals going teetotal or cutting down on alcohol is rising rapidly, forcing establishments to close or to adapt. Not all hope is lost; establishments fight back by introducing a more extensive low and no-alcohol-free menu while focusing on the gastronomic side to draw in patrons. Still, times have been challenging as pubs and bars have faced rampant inflation, rising prices and inventory bills. As consumers grapple with weak growth across incomes, passing on price increases isn't the best idea. Alcohol duties rose again in February 2025, with wine and spirits becoming significantly more expensive. The average pint of lager now costs £4.83, up from £3.96 in 2022, deterring cost-conscious consumers. Staffing shortages, rising wage bills and business rates only add to the growing challenges. In 2024-25, revenue is anticipated to increase by 1.2%, reaching £18.9 billion, and profit is expected to reach 13%. Over the five years through 2029-30, full restaurant revenue is expected to increase at a compound annual rate of 4.4% reaching £23.4 billion. Labour, business rates and wages remain points of contention as the yearly reviews and anticipated increases take effect at the start of every financial year in April. Competition from off-trade shops like supermarkets will intensify, especially with fierce price wars. Meanwhile, declining alcohol consumption—driven by Gen Z’s health-conscious values—is shifting demand towards low-and-no options. Poor visibility of alcohol-free choices costs the sector £800 million annually Just Drinks, reports, yet successful execution could add 109 million pub visits. Pubs are responding by embracing innovation, from tech-enabled staffing to premiumisation strategies. Consumers now seek quality over quantity, with Baileys and Jack Daniel’s remaining popular (YouGov). Greene King’s extended partnership with Estrella Galicia and food-focused formats reflect this shift.

Mitchells & Butlers had an operating profit of approximately 312 million British pounds in 2024. This marked an increase of 41 percent from the previous year. Mitchells & Butlers manages several pub, bar and restaurant brands in the United Kingdom, including All Bar One, Ember Inns, Toby Carvery and Harvester. Mitchells & Butlers also manages the Alex bar brand in Germany.

Complete list of all 1204 J D Wetherspoon Pubs POI locations in the UK with name, geo-coded address, city, email, phone number etc for download in CSV format or via the API.

Beer was the most consumed alcoholic drink at pubs in Great Britain in 2021. The share of people that drank beer in each country varied with England leading at 18 percent.

Complete list of all 167 All Bar One store POI locations in the UK with name, geo-coded address, city, email, phone number etc for download in CSV format or via the API.

More than half of all English residents between the ages of 16 and 64 visited pubs, bars or clubs as a free-time activity during 2017/18. Those aged 25 to 44 were the most likely to attend a pub, bar or club, with 59.3 percent of respondents in that age category visiting such an establishment.

Are pubs disappearing?

Despite most of the adult population under the age of 64 visiting pubs, bars and clubs, the frequency with which people are visiting their favorite pub is on the decline. While 33 percent of consumers reported visiting the pub on a weekly basis in 2010, this figure dropped to 29 percent by 2017. Over the same period of time, the United Kingdom saw a net reduction of approximately 7,050 in the number of pubs in operation.   New trends continue to attract pub goers

Although there are fewer venues, the nation’s pub culture has undergone somewhat of a transformation. The popularity of pubs for dining out has resulted in many businesses increasing their food offering and capitalizing on new drinking trends such as craft and non-alcoholic beers. Independent pubs, although with a seemingly greater risk of closure, have in fact increased in number: around 4,550 more independently owned pubs were in operation in the UK in 2017 compared to ten years earlier.

This may be due in part to the emergence of micro-breweries, and consumers preferring to visit traditional pubs or other independents which can cater to the niche tastes the micro-brewery allows, rather than the larger pub chains. Independently owned pubs continue to account for the largest proportion of pubs in the UK, the rest being managed, tenanted or leased by a brewer or pub company.   

In 2019, responding craft beer drinkers from the United Kingdom most commonly bought craft beer weekly at a bar, pub or restaurant. Approximately 21 percent of respondents bought craft beer more frequently in pubs. Only two percent of respondents never purchased any craft beer at pubs. Consumption through retail channels had an overall slightly higher frequency than pub consumption.

In 2023, Stonegate was the leading selected pub chain in the United Kingdom by number of units, with 4,432 properties. Meanwhile, Greene King had the second highest number of pub sites, with 2,600. How many pubs are in the UK? There were 43,350 pubs in the United Kingdom in 2023. This represented a decrease of approximately 14,050 pubs when compared to 20 years prior. Several factors have been suggested for the decline in pubs in the UK. These include the indoor smoking ban in 2007, rising alcohol prices, and a preference for socializing at home. Younger generations are also drinking less, with many young British adults choosing not to drink at all. How much revenue do British pub chains generate? In the 2022/23 financial year, JD Wetherspoon generated 1.93 billion British pounds in revenue, which was one of the highest turnovers among the UK's leading pub chains. In fact, despite having fewer sites than Stonegate, JD Wetherspoon had over 200 million British pounds more in revenue than Stonegate.

The pub industry in the United Kingdom had a total estimated turnover over 22 billion British pounds. Managed, branded and franchised pubs generate the highest revenue, compared to independent, tenanted and leased premises. The UK pub industry is forcast to grow in value by 2021.

Number of Licences in force at year end (31 March).

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has policy responsibility in Government for licensing law relating to the sale of alcohol, the provision of regulated entertainment and the provision of late night refreshment in England and Wales under the Licensing Act 2003 (the 2003 Act).

The Act came into force on 24th November 2005.

The new regimes from the 2003 Act were to be run by a single Licensing Authority (LA) in each area (mainly local authorities).

This dataset provides data on Alcohol, Entertainment and Late Night Refreshment Licensing. It covers on and off sales, sporting events, live music and recorded music.

Responsibility for this data split in 2011, between the Home Office and DCMS. DCMS now only cover the entertainment licensing and the data for that can be found on their website. The Alcohol and late night licensing data can be found on the Home Office site.

This is a complete list of Fuller’s UK locations along with their geographical coordinates. Fuller’s owns pubs and hotels throughout England. The data includes addresses and phone numbers for each location.

Over the five years through 2024-25, the nightclub industry’s revenue is expected to tumble at a compound annual rate of 14.2% to £764.4 million, including a 5.1% drop in 2024-25. The nightclub industry experienced immense revenue volatility due to the COVID-19 outbreak, which resulted in clubs closing temporarily over 2020-21. Following COVID-19, skyrocketing inflation led to consumers, especially younger demographics, becoming more budget-conscious, resulting in decreased spending on nightlife activities or avoiding clubbing altogether. The combined impact of COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis severely weighed on the performance of nightclubs. When COVID-19 was at its worst, stay-at-home and trading restrictions on the hospitality sector prevented nightclubs from generating revenue, with operational costs becoming unmanageable and pushing many nightclubs to close permanently. The lifting of restrictions on nightclubs led to a resurgence in revenue in 2021-22. However, the cost-of-living crisis has plagued the industry’s recovery, as many Britons reduced their spending on nightclub outings. COVID-19 also boosted the UK's downward trend in alcohol consumption, weighing on industry revenue. Persistent inflation and supply disruptions have severely impacted the industry's profitability. Clubs have faced significantly higher operational costs, primarily driven by increased energy, rent and labour expenses, resulting in many nightclub closures. With a lack of government assistance to support the industry, the future of nightclubs hangs in the balance. Industry revenue is forecast to dip at a compound annual rate of 0.2% over the five years through 2029-30 to £756.5 million. Nightclub owners will continue to face challenges. Without government intervention, like VAT reductions to offer financial relief, many clubs will close their doors due to financial losses and diminishing demand from consumers as alcohol consumption declines. With inflation subsiding, consumers will expand their spending as a growing number of clubs expand their offerings, including non-alcoholic options, in a bid to capitalise on this trend. Moreover, fierce competition from substitutes will persist, encouraging nightclubs to innovate their club experiences by investing in high-tech light and sound systems. However, many consumers will likely turn to bars, pubs and other social activities rather as nightclubs’ appeal diminishes.

The United Kingdom cafes and bars market presents a dynamic landscape, characterized by robust growth and evolving consumer preferences. While precise market sizing data is unavailable from the provided text, we can infer significant scale given the inclusion of major players like Starbucks, Costa Coffee, and McDonald's, alongside numerous independent operators. The market's substantial size is driven by several key factors, including the UK's thriving café culture, increasing disposable incomes (especially in higher-growth segments like specialty coffee and dessert bars), and the nation's strong tourism sector contributing to high footfall in leisure and lodging locations. Further growth is fueled by the increasing demand for convenient, high-quality food and beverage options and the rising popularity of experiential dining. Trends such as the emphasis on sustainability, ethically sourced ingredients, and personalized customer experiences are significantly shaping the market, influencing menu offerings and operational strategies. Competition is fierce, with both large chains and independent businesses vying for market share. Challenges include rising inflation impacting operating costs and fluctuating consumer spending habits, potentially leading to price sensitivity in certain segments. The market segmentation, encompassing diverse cuisines and outlets across various locations, highlights the market's complexity and diverse opportunities. Growth within the UK cafes and bars market is likely to remain steady in the coming years, albeit with potential fluctuations due to macroeconomic factors. The diverse range of outlets, from traditional pubs to trendy juice bars and specialist coffee shops, caters to a wide spectrum of consumer needs and preferences. This segmentation offers opportunities for targeted marketing and product development. The market’s strength lies in its resilience to economic downturns; while discretionary spending may fluctuate, the fundamental need for convenient food and beverage outlets remains consistent. Strategic acquisitions and mergers are expected, driving further consolidation within the industry, particularly among larger chains seeking expansion and market dominance. Future growth will be significantly influenced by successful adaptation to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions, technological innovation (e.g., mobile ordering and delivery), and sustainable business practices. Recent developments include: August 2023: Coffee shop chain Starbucks announced plans to invest USD 32.78 million toward opening 100 new outlets across the United Kingdom in 2023, as it expects its growth momentum to continue.January 2023: Costa Coffee added new servings to its menu like Cajun Spiced Chicken Pizza Wrap, uzeTea Mellow Mango Superfuzions Tea, FuzeTea Spiced Apple flavor Superfuzions Tea, FuzeTea Citrus Zing Superfuzions Tea, vegan BBQ Chick'n Panini, Burts BBQ Lentil Chips, Poached Egg & Bacon Brioche, M&S Smoked Ham & Coleslaw Sandwich, or the new M&S Minestrone with Bacon Soup, M&S pineapple chunks, and a new range of Chocolate Cornflake Cake and caramel cakes at its outlets in the United Kingdom.October 2022: In 2022, McDonald's launched McPlant across all UK restaurants. McPlant is a vegan burger made with a juicy plant-based patty co-developed with Beyond Meat® with a vegan sandwich, sauce, onion, mustard, and cheese alternative in a sesame seed bun.. Notable trends are: Premium products and special offerings such as organic tea and coffee are gaining popularity in the country.

This statistic shows the share of the population going to pubs, bars or clubs during their free time in England, by ethnicity. According to the survey, conducted between April 2017 and March 2018, around 56 percent of white respondents went to pubs, bars and/or clubs in their free time, the most of any ethnic group.

This statistic illustrates the change in how often people in Great Britain go to pubs compared to five years ago as of 2018, by region. Across all regions, a higher proportion of respondents stated they go to pubs less often than more often. In London, 32 percent go to pubs less often than five years ago while in Scotland this figure is even higher, at 42 percent.

The United Kingdom nutritional bar market, valued at approximately £300 million in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.42% from 2025 to 2033. This growth is fueled by several key drivers. The increasing prevalence of health-conscious consumers seeking convenient and nutritious snacks is a primary factor. Busy lifestyles and the rising demand for on-the-go food options are further boosting market expansion. The market segments significantly are organic and conventional energy bars, with organic bars experiencing faster growth due to rising consumer preference for natural and sustainable products. Distribution channels are diversifying, with supermarkets/hypermarkets maintaining a dominant share but online retail experiencing rapid expansion, driven by e-commerce growth and convenience. The competitive landscape is dynamic, with major players such as Mondelēz International, Glanbia, and Kellogg's vying for market share alongside smaller, specialized brands focusing on niche ingredients and health benefits. The market’s growth trajectory suggests significant opportunities for both established players and emerging businesses, particularly those catering to evolving consumer demands for specific dietary needs and functional ingredients. The UK nutritional bar market's continued success hinges on effectively addressing evolving consumer preferences. Innovation in product formulation, such as incorporating functional ingredients targeting specific health goals (e.g., protein bars for muscle growth, fiber bars for digestive health), will be crucial. Sustainability initiatives, such as using ethically sourced ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, are also gaining traction and are expected to influence consumer purchasing decisions. Furthermore, targeted marketing campaigns highlighting the health benefits and convenience of nutritional bars will be essential for driving market growth. The expansion into new distribution channels, including online platforms and partnerships with gyms and health food stores, will also play a critical role in broadening market reach and achieving sustained growth in the years to come. Price sensitivity remains a factor, however, and a balance between premium pricing for specialized bars and competitive pricing for mainstream products will be vital for market success. Recent developments include: September 2022: Mondelēz's protein bar brand Grenade launched two new multipack protein bar variants in Tesco and Sainsbury. The multipack features a 10-pack of selected Grenade's best-selling (60g) protein bars. These comprise two bars of each of the following five flavors: chocolate chips salted caramel, white chocolate salted peanut, cookie dough, white chocolate cookie and fudged up. Also, a three-pack variant would be launched across over 1,000 Co-op stores that featured three 35g bars in Grenade's best-selling protein bar flavor, Chocolate Chip Salted Caramel., March 2021: Mondelēz International acquired majority shares of Grenade, a prominent player offering a range of performance nutrition products, including energy and protein bars in the United Kingdom., March 2021: Barebells, a United Kingdom functional food brand, added Double Bite, a "bar of two halves," to its line of energy/protein-enriched snack bars. Double Bite is available in two flavors: caramel crisp and chocolate crisp. Both flavors provide 16g of protein and do not contain any added sugar or palm oil.. Notable trends are: Increasing Number of Health and Fitness Centers.