It’s certainly true that the number of pubs had been continually falling for many years, but it does look like it has bottomed out. The sector itself is going through massive change, the scruffy old boozer is being replaced by much bigger and better funded places by the major brewers. Marstons for instance had a deliberate policy of getting rid of smaller pubs (hence we were able to buy ours) but then putting large amounts of money into those providing accommodation and meals etc.
So I would sum it up by saying, yes without doubt the number of pubs has been in decline for many years, but those now left standing are changing and improving their offerings so the sector is quite healthy and being invested in. Again, just in our own pub, we have replaced every single piece of kit from fridges, glass washers etc to all of the kit in the cellar. The whole of the interior had a major refurbishment plus replacement of all furniture during the first lockdown (as a lot of pubs did) and ripped out and updated all the toilets. The outside had a similar facelift and we’ve spent a serious amount of money doing it. I’ve noticed quite a few other village pubs in the surrounding areas with scaffolding up and major refurbs going on. Everyone is looking to up their game and bring in the families who will provide tomorrow’s customers. Those still standing after years of decline and a year of Covid will prosper.....
