10 Surprising Stats About Pubs

Pubs are a part of British culture that has been around for hundreds of years. They are a place to get together with friends and relax with a pint or two. But there’s a lot more to pubs than meets the eye. Here are 10 surprising stats about pubs that you might not have known.

1. First off, in terms of size, the average English pub is larger than the average American restaurant. On average, pubs in England are two to three times larger than the biggest American eateries. This means that it’s not only a great place for drinks but also a great spot for gathering friends.
2. When it comes to beer, pubs are just as important as breweries. In a survey of UK consumers, 40% of beer drinkers said they get their beer from pubs, compared to 28% from supermarkets and only 16% from breweries.
3. Speaking of beer, the average pint of beer has decreased in volume since WWII. In the 1940s, a pub pint was 1,140 ml compared to just 568 ml today.
4. Although pubs have decreased in size, they have increased in price. The average UK pub now charges 48.5 pence per pint, up from just 12.5 pence in 1968.
5. When it comes to food, pubs are growing in popularity. In the UK, 28% of meals/drinks are now consumed in pubs compared to just 16% in 1983.
6. However, despite growing in popularity, pubs are actually closing down. In the past 15 years alone, around 8,000 pubs have closed their doors due to the economic recession and changing drinking habits.
7. When closed, pubs often get new life thanks to property developers. Over five years, the number of pubs converted into residential properties has increased by 37%.
8. Speaking of residential properties, pubs are often tied to real estate prices. In a 2018 study, it was found that a five minute walk from a pub can raise the price of a property by up to 15%.
9. Also, pubs are not just essential to the local economy but to overall wellbeing as well. According to a 2019 study, people who frequent pubs and other places for social gatherings are more likely to be in better overall health.
10. Finally, pubs are more than just a place to gather, they are an important part of the community. During a survey of 1,000 UK adults, 89% said that they felt pubs were an important part of British life, with 77% saying they promote a sense of community.

Overall, pubs have been a part of British culture for centuries and have a lot more to offer than what meets the eye. From supporting the local economy, to increasing the value of real estate, to promoting social and physical wellness, pubs are an important part of everyday life.