Are pubs still closing?

[cressida]

I say this as huge queues have been forming outside Jeremy Clarkson's 'The Farmer's Dog' in Oxfordshire.

I only go in pubs for a meal,  including Pimms .

[cressida]

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpvylp09pddo

 

The Cotswolds

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpvylp09pddo

[hackey lad]

One down the road from us has closed (again ) but it was more to do with criminality . 

[cressida]

@SF  Please can you move this topic to General Discussions thanks.

[Andy C]

Yes, pubs are still closing, although that isn't entirely down to there not being any demand for pubs - in the same way lots of little local butchers/fishmongers/bakers/fruit & veg shops closing but still demand to eat!

 

There are various factors:

 

 from the consumer side there has been a need for many to tighten their belt during the cost of living crisis over recent years as well as changing habits such as working from home (so relaxing with a cheeky pint after work with other pub regulars is less of a thing for example).

 

From the business side the cost of operation is getting unsustainable for some with high energy bills, food & drink suppliers increasing prices, staff wages increasing etc.

 

Additionally there are those pubs that are an independent business but leasing the pub from a big pub company such as Stonegate or Heineken's Star Pubs where as well as paying rent they are often contractually tied to buying much of their wet stock through the pub company at inflated prices, using the pub company's insurance provider that might not be the most competitive etc.

 

Then there is the fact that many pubs are getting totally stitched up when it comes to business rates, which is something the government really needs to change. The tax rates are assessed based on the property value rather than the viability as a business premises because the property would be worth a lot more if converted to a house.

 

There are still many pubs that are popular and doing well of course - if the ownership model, location and offering are right the demand is still out there!

 

 

[bassett one]

they tend to be a place for a meal or weekend pubs, but if its just wet take its hard to make a living, times have changed, familys go out together so no food -no custom , the days of queues outside a 5pm or sun 12 noon have gone forever.

[bungleboy69]

I prefer the micropub model. Small compact venues.  Easier to run. Less staff and overheads. Beers tends to change frequently and they tend to be from top-notch breweries, not eurofizz and international mega brands. People who generally appreciate better quality drinks frequent them. Even better when kids aren't allowed. I'm not bothered about food in pubs to be honest. Some crisps and nuts is alreet for me. 

[lavery549@yahoo]

Well the Queens Head is open again . Got a new Manager , who seems to be OK . Hopefully no more closing at stupid O'Clock 

[spilldig]

14 hours ago, bassett one said:

they tend to be a place for a meal or weekend pubs, but if its just wet take its hard to make a living, times have changed, familys go out together so no food -no custom , the days of queues outside a 5pm or sun 12 noon have gone forever.

You had to wait till blooming 7 pm on Sundays.

[crookesey]

Why should pubs be any different to other businesses?