We always hear how pubs are struggling. Yes, admittedly landlords and pub chains face a constant battle for their livelihoods amid widespread closures and rising costs.
But it’s by no means all doom and gloom. There are still thousands of buzzing bars and packed pubs that millions of locals cherish every day. The pub scene in some cities in particular is also ultra-competitive as establishments adapt to new consumer demands and drinking habits.
So which city is best for a night out down the boozer? A new study has seen proper real-life boffins dig into the data to finally try and settle the debate once and for all. It has produced these rankings….
6. York
The ancient city has sometimes been unfairly branded dull and best known for the JORVIK Viking Centre. But anyone who has visited this beautiful city won’t fail to have been charmed by its narrow snickelways and historic centre.
It is also home to some of the most smashing pubs in the world. Capital on Tap, in its analysis of 32 major British towns and cities, found it has 5.98 pubs per 10,000 residents that have an average Google rating of 4.34. With the average cost of a pint coming in at just £5, it’s no wonder York has a place in many people’s hearts, not least Johnny Depp, who is said to be a huge fan of the city. Rumour has it, he became besotted with cocktail bar Evil Eye while filming 2005 film Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Just don’t ask the locals about hen dos, however, as they are said to hate the raucous behaviour these bridal parties bring to the Insta-friendly city at weekends.
Pubs worth a mention: House of the Trembling Madness, The Fat Badger.
5. Bristol
Brizzle has long had a reputation as an offbeat home of the arts. Alongside a well-lauded cultural scene furthered by the likes of Banksy and Massive Attack, it has a much-loved bar and pub scene.
Research found although the city has suffered from a few closures in recent years, there is huge demand online for pub recommendations in the city and a 4.35 average rating for its hostelries. In short: this almost mountainous city might face an uphill battle to stay afloat – but it certainly doesn’t look like the remaining establishments are going downhill anytime soon.
Pubs worth a mention: Bag of Nails, The Barley Mow
4. Manchester
That Manchester is an absolutely mega night out is no great secret. From the Madchester scene of the 80s and 90s to the Warehouse Project, the city is always mad fer it. But away from the nightclubs and raves, this northern powerhouse is also home to some of the best pubs in the country.Incredibly, the city seems to be bucking the trend in recent years with a fair few pub and bar openings. With more than three-quarters (76%) of its pubs remaining independent and an impressive average Google rating of 4.36 – it remains quite simply one of the best places in the world to sink a few jars.
Pubs worth a mention: The Marble Arch, The Bowling Green Chorlton.
3. Liverpool
Liverpool takes absolutely no prisoners on a night out. You’re going to have a good time and that’s the end of the matter. Its pubs are at the beating heart of its reputation for guaranteed laughs.
With the average price of a pint still at a bargain £5, a high proportion of independent inns and an average Google rating of 4.38, it’s no surprise that folk flock from all over the world to this fun-lovers paradise.
Pubs worth a mention: The Bridewell, Baltic Fleet.
2. Norwich
Norwich has quietly forged its own niche over the years as one of the UK’s quirkier cities. It might not crow about itself as much as some of its rivals, but this Norfolk nugget has all the makings of an absolute festival of frolics that would make its most famous son Alan Partridge bellow from the rooftops: “AHA!!”
The city known for Delia and Colman’s Mustard scores insanely highly on the independent pubs’ richter scale – at a whopping 86% – and at 6.52 boozers for every 10,000 people, that’s a lot of non-chain establishments to pick from. With an average Google rating of 4.40, these pubs certainly pack a punch (the alcoholic kind, hopefully).Pubs worth a mention: The Alexandra, The Rumsey Wells.
1. Brighton and Hove
What more can you say about Brighton? It’s a beautiful place with beautiful people. And it doesn’t half hit the high notes when it comes to hospitality. The city is jam-packed with wonderful places to perch with a pint and many that fit the artistic, vibrant surroundings of the city.
First things first: statistics show the seaside haven has almost as many pubs as seagulls. Its enormous 7.74 boozers per 10,000 people dwarfs any of its nearest contenders. And despite the average price of a pint reaching an eye-watering £6.65, punters are still happy with their lot. The average Google rating is 4.42. Can’t say fairer than that.
Pubs worth a mention: The White Rabbit, The Windmill