The great British pub is under threat. For decades, pub numbers have been in decline. In 2024, UK hospitality estimates that 80 pubs a month are forced to shut their doors.
Calling last orders for the last time can be catastrophic for local communities, depriving them of a focal meeting place and the associated loss of jobs. Pubs are a crucial part of our national history and heritage, and play an important cultural role. We simply cannot afford to lose them.
The national trend of pubs is starkly illustrated in the Derbyshire village of Stoney Middleton. This pretty village once hosted a whopping fourteen pubs. Today there is just one. The last remaining public house is The Moon Inn Freehouse. Established since 1821, this is a classic example of a cosy village pub, offering a warm welcome and a choice of real ales.
There are various reasons to explain the decline of pubs: supermarkets selling cheaper alcohol; changing habits, particularly of younger people; heavy taxes; rising energy prices; the cost of living crisis and the impact of the smoking ban.
Back between 2016 and 2017, The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) estimated 37.5 pubs closed per week. The pandemic exacerbated this trend. Lockdowns and strict social distancing rules made it difficult for many pubs to survive.
In fact, it was during lockdown that Pub Tours was born. I was increasingly concerned about the fate of local pubs. Many were closing and I knew lots were struggling. The tipping point was seeing one of our favourite establishments, the Lathkil Hotel (a centuries old public house offering spectacular panoramic views of the Peak District National Park) already finding it hard to stay afloat due to the various restrictions imposed upon hospitality, only to see to the local bus route stopped.
I felt compelled to do something to support local pubs, and the idea for Pub Tours gradually was born.
Pub Tours was set up to drive new business into our hidden Peak District Pubs to save them from extinction. Pubs are the cornerstone of communities and play an important role in British culture. I wanted to find a way to showcase what a real British Pub is to tourists, as well as helping local people discover hidden gems off the beaten track.
Every single Pub Tour purchased means more visitors, more footfall and more money to pubs.
Our dedication to supporting pubs goes even further, we recently set up ‘Peak District pubs’ Facebook group to provide news about pubs, current offers and events – helping people discover new favourites and giving pubs some additional publicity. Join the group here.
I’d also like to shine a light on some other innovative projects to support pubs across the Peak District. In Staffordshire, the local community are banding together to try to buy The George in Alstonefield to protect its future as a community pub. This quintessential village pub dates back to around 1720 and was visited by Prince Charles before he became King.
Back in Derbyshire, our good friend, Rob Hattersley and the Longbow Group have breathed beautiful new life into The Ashford Arms which had previously been closed for four years. The 17th-century pub in Ashford in the Water near Bakewell has been carefully repaired and preserved in an extensive £1.6m refurbishment, and now represents an excellent example of a contemporary British pub serving delicious food.
Together, we can support the great British pub – and it’s so important that we do. A quintessential part of British life, an integral part of the fabric of our history and heritage, the pub is a place where friendships are formed, relationships started and good times had. Pubs play a vital cultural role and help keep historic folk traditions alive.
Whether it’s popping in for a pint at your local, following us on social media and joining our Facebook group or treating yourself or a loved one to a Pub Tour, let’s join forces to save British pubs.