The number of pubs in Britain could plummet to fewer than 1,000 by 2074, according to a stark prediction from Togather, the UK’s leading event booking platform.
This forecast cites 38,175 pubs operating in the UK last year, already showing a significant decrease from 41,015 a decade earlier.
Britain’s high streets are already having to contend with the growing rate of store and bank branch closures which are changing the economy.
If this current trend continues, a rapid decline could see pubs become an endangered species within five decades with an annual closure rate of approximately 6.92 per cent.
In 2023, 769 pub businesses became insolvent, up from 518 in 2022. This equates to an average of 2.1 closures per day, compared to 1.4 per day the previous year.
However, these do not account for the closures of individual pubs by managed groups that didn’t enter insolvency.
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Britain’s high streets have been hit by a wave of store closures as of late PAAnalysts are sounding the alarm that neighbourhoods across Britain may soon find their local pubs shuttering one by one without intervention.
The impact of this decline is projected to be severe. If the current trend continues, the number of pubs could halve approximately every 10 years.
By 2033, the UK might see only around 18,000 pubs remaining. Fast forward to 2043, and this number could plummet further to about 9,000.
By 2074, projections show pub numbers potentially falling below the 1,000 mark. At this point, pubs would become a rare sight, cherished by those who still have access to them.
To save pubs from this dire fate, several solutions have been proposed. Pubs are being told to evolve beyond just serving drinks and become experience-driven destinations.
Offering pop-up food events, partnering with local vendors, and hosting craft beer nights have been suggested to inject new life into these establishments.
Lowering business rates or offering tax breaks have also been put forward to alleviate financial pressures on struggling pubs.
Industry experts are encouraging local ownership could foster pride and investment in pub success. Pubs are also being told to embrace their role as cultural hubs by hosting local musicians, art shows, and creative events.
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Logan Woodbridge, Sales Executive at Togather, shared: “The prediction that pubs could become critically low in 50 years is a wake-up call.
“It underscores the need for immediate and concerted efforts to save an essential part of British heritage. One of the key trends driving this decline is that more customers are seeking unique experiences when they go out.
“Pubs need to adapt by offering more than just food and drink. They must create environments that give people an excuse to get out and enjoy something special, whether its themed nights, collaborations with local food vendors, or live events.
“By embracing these changes, pubs can provide the kind of experiences people are craving. Imagine a future where we’ve turned the tide, where pubs once again thrive, hosting vibrant community events.”