UK Pub Visiting Consumer Report 2023

The UK pub and bar industry experienced huge implications as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, however the market has bounced back over the last couple of years. Mintel’s UK Pub Visiting Market Report 2023 examines the key drivers for this recovery, as well as providing detailed insights into what consumers want and why, and recent innovations and opportunities for the UK pub market.

Below, we’ve handpicked the key insights analysed in the full report and summarised the core topics.

Key Issues Covered in this Report

• The impact of the cost of living on the pub industry.
• How pub visiting rates and spending habits have changed over the past few years.
• Factors that encourage consumers to choose one pub over another.
• Pub goers eating and drinking preferences, including the rising popularity of low/no-alcohol drinks.
• Launch activity and innovation in the pub industry.

UK Pub Industry – Current Market Landscape

Pub visiting sits at the heart of British culture, and after a difficult period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the market is expected to reach its highest ever value in 2023. This has been driven by increasing food and drink prices, as well as an increase in pub-going consumers. However, it is not all good news for the UK pub market, a turbulent economy and knock-on effects from the pandemic have resulted in a continued decline in pub numbers.

• UK pub market share: Greene King holds the largest share of the UK pub market, however its number of managed operators has fallen since 2020.
• UK pub market size: The UK pub industry is expected to increase by 4.8% in 2023, and Mintel forecasts that steady growth will continue over the next five years to 2028.

Pub Visiting – UK Consumer Trends

• Almost nine in 10 adults visit pubs, although this remains slightly behind 2019 levels.
• Over eight in 10 Gen Zs drink at pubs and bars, despite growing up more sober-curious than their older counterparts.
• Over two-fifths of pub goers would like to see snacking menus in pubs, highlighting that the cost of living crisis is continuing to have an effect on consumer spending power.

Purchase our full UK Pub Visiting Market Report 2023 for a complete analysis of the pub market, consumer demands, and our experts’ recommendations for major growth opportunities during difficult economic times.

Additional Features Included in Your Purchase

• Interactive Databook: Each Databook is provided as an interactive website where you can deep dive into our consumer research data on your chosen topic so you can draw your own conclusions.
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Expert Analysis from a Leisure Analyst

This report, written by Jennie Bryans, a leading Travel & Leisure analyst, delivers in-depth commentary and analysis to highlight current trends in the UK pub market and add expert context to the numbers.

Pubs remain a cornerstone of British culture; however, consumers continue to demand menu innovation with snacks and sustainable dishes high on their agenda.

Jennie Bryans
Travel & Leisure Analyst