Young drinkers are flocking again to pubs with beer gross sales hovering
Weekly visits to community pubs have soared by 7% this year, compared to the previous 12 months. The growth is being driven by Gen Z and Millennial drinkers, figures show
Pubs have received a welcome boost with younger drinkers flocking back to inns, new data shows.
Weekly visits to community pubs have soared by 7% this year, compared to the previous 12 months.
The growth has been driven by Gen Z and Millennial drinkers, with their call-ins at locals up by 11% and 17% respectively over the period.
Half of hospitality bosses (49%) expect pubs to “thrive” over the next year – an increase of 6% compared to 2024 – in a further sign our great British boozers are bouncing back.
A third of publicans – 32% – have introduced new forms of entertainment to their hostelries to pull in punters.
Younger drinkers said they were more inclined to visit their local if it felt “authentic, safe and inclusive”, found analysts CGA.
It said the sector had seen an increase in pubs showing live sport and putting on quizzes and holding after-work events.
This appears to have chimed with Brits, with 43% reporting that feeling “part of the community” influences where they eat and drink.
And one in five say it’s now more important for “their local to feel local”.
CGA’s Rachel Weller told pub trade newspaper The Morning Advertiser: “With pubs increasingly attracting a younger crowd with evolving expectations, the first step for any brand or supplier is to truly understand this new customer base – their needs, drink preferences and the influences that shape their choices.
“From there it’s critical to move away from the one size fits all mindset.”
Ms Weller added: “Instead we need tailored, targeted strategies that speak directly to each segment.”
But four in 10 family-run UK firms warned they could be forced to shut down if they don’t get help from the Chancellor in her Autumn Budget this month.
UK grafters fear Rachel Reeves will break election vows by increasing VAT, National Insurance or income tax on November 26.
A new poll by contactless payment firm SumUp found 40% of smaller businesses, often family-run, were considering winding up their operations permanently – with a quarter blaming Government tax hikes and red tape.
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