"Its clientele, though fairly large, consists mostly of ‘regulars’ who occupy the same chair every evening and go there for conversation as much as for the beer."
George Orwell’s depiction of the ideal pub, in his essay, "The Moon Under Water", perfectly captures the essence of what makes these establishments so integral to British life. Pubs are social hubs where regulars gather, they foster a sense of belonging and are integral to many communities. It’s important to note that although there are obvious drawbacks to frequent pub visits such as; excessive drinking, poor health & crime, the reality remains, that in British society our main social hubs often revolve around a pint and a packet of crisps, it’s therefore important to examine the societal benefits these establishments offer, especially as we are losing them at an alarming rate.
In 2023, over 500 pubs closed, resulting in a loss of 6,000 jobs nationwide. The closure rate was particularly severe in the capital, where 46 pubs shut down in just the first six months of the year. From a health perspective, some might argue that fewer pubs could lead to reduced alcohol consumption. However, this scenario is unlikely since alcohol is readily available in stores, which may lead to increased at-home drinking but in a less social setting. Evidence of this trend is seen in the fact that 28% of people reported drinking more during lockdown, when the pubs were shut.
Pubs offer valuable opportunities for community services and social connection. For instance, Age UK Camden ,in collaboration with The Assembly Rooms, host a 55+ meet and greet where older residents can enjoy coffee, tea, or a beer while learning about local activities they can participate in.
Our own research into healthy ageing in North West Bristol, revealed that communities were struggling due to the absence of the local pubs which had all shut down.
Pubs provide a social lifeline for many vulnerable members of society, who might otherwise have nowhere to go - residents expressed that without these pubs,
there were no communal spaces to socialise in on a cold winter's night.
The Ivy House formerly Newlands
Named 11th Coolest Pub in Britain by The Times & The Sunday Times
The Ivy House, a renowned Peckham pub famous for hosting music legends like Joe Strummer, Ian Dury, and Elvis Costello, closed its doors in 2012. Faced with the prospect of losing this cultural landmark to property developers, the locals sprang into action. They launched a campaign to highlight the pub's cultural significance, successfully securing a Grade II listing for the building. £1 million was raised to refurbish the pub and purchase the freehold, transforming it into London's first cooperatively owned pub.
This trend has continued as The Blunkett Foundation found that there are now 150 community owned pubs across the UK, up from 85 in 2017. The Foundation received 233 enquiries from communities, who were unsuccessful in achieving trading status as a community pub, seeking advice and support. It’s clear the Ivy House merely ‘whet the whistle’ for the UK's local communities' appetite to take control of their neighbourhood assets.
In an interview with the Harringay Press, James Gadsby Peet, who runs the community owned ‘Star of Greenwich’, highlighted how their goals differ from those of privately owned pubs.
“Our primary mission isn’t to make money. It’s to create conversations between people from different perspectives that wouldn’t normally happen.
As such, the local neighbourhood feels a real sense of buy-in to what we’re trying to do.
People are much keener to discuss what we offer, how we do it, the type of events we put on.”
There are numerous benefits to communities taking charge of local assets.
Community pubs are run by the very people they serve, they can adapt more effectively to the needs of their clientele. Community-run establishments are uniquely attuned to the needs and preferences of their residents, allowing them to focus on long-term sustainability and community wellbeing rather than short-term profits. Great examples of this are; The Bevy in Brighton who run a dementia café which offers affordable lunches , and the Saith Seren in Wrexham which serves as a vital cultural hub for Welsh speakers, providing a space for conversations in their native tongue and onsite language lessons.
Not only are community pubs more attuned to the preferences of their locals, they’re less likely to ring the last orders bell for the final time. According to the Plunkett Foundation, community pubs boast a remarkable survival rate of 99.3%, compared to just 44% for the average small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) over five years, (based on data from the Office for National Statistics). This demonstrates that when locals have a stake in a community space, they are more likely to support it and ensure its success.
It is crucial that councils and developers involve the community in the decision-making process for new developments, whether it’s a pub, café, park, or housing. This is precisely what Neighbourly Lab champions. We place the community at the forefront of all our research, using deep listening to truly understand the thoughts and desires of the local area. Without listening to the community, a new development is unlikely to understand and meet the unique needs and context of the local area.
So, next time you visit your local, whether it's for a Euros match, a quiz night or just to catch up with a friend, take a moment to appreciate the vital role this institution plays in your community.
Raise a glass to the fallen pubs, the lost locals and to the community champions who are fighting to keep them alive. And as always, please drink responsibly.
If you would like to hear more about our work on community mapping or deep listening please contact hello@neighbourlylab.com
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