The Latest Pub Trends 2025
Pub The Economic And Demographic Trends Shaping Pub Growth In 2025
The UK pub industry isn’t just surviving - it’s evolving. From remote workers trading in their swivel chairs for bar stools, to customers seeking real value and connection, recent industry trends show a new evolution of pub experience. Let’s explore some of the forces behind this new era.
So, How Are Pubs Holding Their Own In This Economy?
The UK economy has not been without its fair share of ups and downs in recent times, with increased energy prices, inflation and changing consumer habits all playing their part. But in true British spirit, the pub sector has learned to adapt and avoid last orders. According to Lumina Intelligence’s UK Pub & Bar Market Report 2025, the industry is now worth £24.1 billion, growing by 1.9% year-on-year. That might not sound like a lot but in an economy where costs have risen across the board, it’s a strong sign.
If Pubs Are Closing, How Can The Market Be Growing?
While there are fewer pubs now than there were pre-2019 (Lumina notes a drop of around 5,000), the quality of the offer and the average spend per customer visit have both increased. Customers may be going out less frequently, but when they do, they are spending more, with an average spend per visit rising over 7%.
Who Is Going To The Pub These Days?
The data on this paints a positive picture. Millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996) are leading the way, making up 19.7% of pub visits. Loosely speaking, they have fewer dependents, are earning more and want a good night out. Gen Z’s (1997-2012) relationship with pubs and socialising is evolving in fascinating ways. According to Mintel’s 2024 research on the lifestyles of Gen Z in Britain, 36% of young adults socialise by going to bars and pubs with friends, showing that while this generation is frequently seen as less alcohol-focused, the pub still plays a key role in their social lives. They are still spending on great food and social occasions, and pubs that can cater to this are thriving.
Mintel also highlights a cultural shift towards ‘sober socialising,’ with those aged 20-24 almost half as likely to prioritise spending on alcohol for the home compared with consumers aged over 75. This suggests that younger adults are redefining what a night out means, focusing on connection over alcohol consumption. Meanwhile, Lumina’s report shows Gen Z’s share of pub visits increasing, suggesting a generation that still values the pub experience but on its own terms.
How Are Working Habits Influencing Pubs?
It’s easy to see how flexible and remote working habits have helped reshape pub life. In recent times, ‘career stability’ has taken on a whole new meaning. Remote work, side hustles, multiple revenue streams, it’s all created a new kind of worker: flexible, independent, and open to change.
Midweek pub trade now encompasses more than lunch covers, with a surge in workers seeking quiet corners, decent wi-fi and coffee shop-worthy flat whites. Pubs that can cater to these flexible working habits are becoming the new ‘third spaces,’ where people can blend work deadlines with a bit of socialising. Lumina reports that people are popping into their local more frequently, but for different reasons than before.
What About Local Economies?
As towns and villages continue to grow and evolve, the much-loved ‘local’ remains one of the last true community spaces, and that brings great opportunities for local economies. With more people moving into smaller towns and villages in search of community, there’s a real opportunity for pubs that combine great food, friendly faces and a warm welcome to thrive.
Regional trends should also be considered. London is currently stealing the show, with Lumina reporting that the capital now accounts for 12.7% of all pub and bar occasions, overtaking the North West to become the UK’s second-largest region behind the South East.
What Are Customers Looking For Now? Has Pub-Going Changed?
It’s fair to say that the ‘typical’ pub-goer is now anything but typical. Gone are the days when everyone ordered the same pint and went home after last orders. Today’s customers are a wonderfully varied, curious and selective bunch. They might start the night with a craft beer, switch to a mocktail and end with an oat milk flat white.
Health-conscious choices are shaping habits too. Many will review calories on menus or look for food choices that help them hit their ‘five a day.’ But it’s not just about what’s on the plate, it’s about the experience. The modern customer wants moments that stand out, whether that’s a live band in full swing on a Friday night, a quiz that fills the room with laughter or a well-curated themed menu that has people reaching for their phones to post their meal on Instagram. Customers want atmosphere, energy and something to talk about on Monday morning.
So, What Kind Of People Are Becoming Publicans?
We’re seeing people from all walks of life stepping behind the bar - from corporate professionals swapping PowerPoint for pint glasses, to seasoned hospitality pros. If you’re sociable, hardworking and have an entrepreneurial spark, pub life could be a great fit. And don’t worry if you’ve never done it before, Greene King Pub Partners will guide and support you all the way.
Sounds Great, Where Do I Start?
Take a look at our webinars for more information on what running a pub with Greene King really looks like https://www.greenekingpubs.co.uk/events/webinars#leased-tenanted-webinar or see what our Pub Partners have to say https://www.greenekingpubs.co.uk/why-greene-king/case-studies. You’ll get honest insights from people who have been there and done it.
If you like what you see, reach out by calling 01284 843200 or email pubpartnersrecruitment@greeneking.co.uk
Sources:
Lumina Intelligence’s UK Pub & Bar Market Report 2025
Mintel’s 2024 research on the lifestyles of Gen Z in Britain