There are few things more quintessentially British than a good pub. Whether it’s somewhere to unwind after a long country walk or somewhere to gather for that after-work pint, the traditional pub holds a special place in most Brits’ hearts. However, what is it that actually makes the ‘perfect’ pub?
The pub was once a British institution most closely associated with beer or an alcoholic beverage of some description. Now, according to a new survey, the single most important amenity dictating the average Brit’s decision to visit a pub is food.
In fact, in a healthy sign that the current generation of British pub-goers are far more aware of the potential dangers of overconsumption of alcohol, ‘beer selection’ was far down in people’s must-haves in a pub. It ranked fifth on a list of priorities where ‘pub garden,’ ‘music’ and ‘atmosphere’ scored higher. Just 43% of people now visit a pub for its beer selection.
Most Brits now go to pub to eat rather than drink
In a survey of 1,000 people for market researcher 3Gem, 80% of respondents named ‘food’ as the top must-have with 80% saying it was their priority. As an increasing number of people are choosing to go sober or reduce their alcohol intake due to the pitfalls of alcohol consumption and a cost of living crisis it is, perhaps, a sign of the changing times.
There was a marked gender split on the issue though. 57% of men consider ‘beer selection’ crucial for the perfect pub, compared to just 29% of women.
In a further sign people are becoming less interested in binge drinking, ‘happy hour’ was the least popular must-have on the list for the perfect pub, with just 32% saying it was essential to them.
What Brits most want in a pub today
The traditional live-sport showing pub is also dying. Just 35% want their ideal pub to show that. More people were interested in music or live music, a good atmosphere, a pub garden or a carvery.
Again, there were gender differences here.
Live sports are more of a draw for men, with 43% emphasising its importance. This preference is echoed by younger patrons aged 18-24, who also prioritise food, music, and pool tables. In contrast, older age groups place greater value on the pub’s atmosphere, with this factor being 49% more important to them than to those aged 18-24.
Unluckily, the second most important must-have for Brits is a pub garden; with the UK’s weather as it is, many no doubt crave warmer and drier weather in which to enjoy an al-fresco dining experience.
The entertainment Brits most want from their pubs
The same survey asked Brits which entertainment options their perfect pub would host. Again reflecting an encouraging shift in the times, gambling options were the least popular, with just 6% and 11% respectively saying they wanted poker nights and fruit machines. More, it seems, are waking up to the devastation gambling addiction can inflict upon families.
Instead Brits ranked less corrosive entertainment options such as quiz nights and live music to keep them entertained in what used to be called their local ‘boozer’ – a term that now seems archaic, given these survey results.
| Rank | Must have entertainment | % of Brits who votes |
| 1 | Quiz Nights | 42% |
| 2 | Watching Sports | 37% |
| 3 | Live Music | 34% |
| 4 | Playing Pool or Darts | 26% |
| 5 | Bingo nights | 14% |
| 6 | Fruit Machines | 11% |
| 7 | Poker Nights | 6% |
Turns out, in 2024, we’re a nation where a Sunday carvery is more important to us than a happy hour and a bingo night more sought-after than a fruit machine.
