The pub is the most important lifestyle amenity for three quarters (75%) of the nation, according to new research from national estate agency, Jackson-Stops. The findings come amidst a backdrop of declining pubs across the UK, in which 80 pubs are reported to disappear a month due to rising costs.

Official Government statistics recently revealed that 239 pubs were demolished or converted for other uses over the three months to 31 March. It means around 80 pubs shut each month, representing a 56% increase on the closure of 51 pubs a month over the first quarter of 2023.

Pub sector bosses have said the data reflects the impact of high energy and food costs, tighter consumer spending and a significant tax burden on hospitality businesses. The data, which was compiled by commercial real estate specialists at Altus Group, showed that the overall number of pubs in England and Wales, including those vacant and being offered to let, fell to 39,162 at the end of March.

A growing number of pubs have vanished from communities they once served after being demolished or converted for uses such as homes, offices and nurseries. Over the past year, a total of 472 pubs across England and Wales left communities for good.

Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), said: “The pub closure figures for the first quarter of this year are a reflection of the continuing high costs of doing business, especially with factors like high energy costs and food and drink inflation remaining higher than the topline inflation rate.”