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Over half of pub-goers find the pub just as relaxing now compared to pre-lockdown

Over half of pub-goers find the pub just as relaxing now compared to pre-lockdown

Written by
Abbie Dawson
Published

September 30, 2020

Category
Latest research

With a quarter (22.5%) thinking it is even more relaxing now.

With pubs, bars and restaurants in England now having to close by 10pm under new government restrictions, it’s fair to say that this provides a challenge, with some bars/pubs estimating that 10pm and later accounts for 60% of their takings*.

But popping to the local for a drink will surely continue to be an essential way for people to relax and enjoy themselves in these times, if our research is anything to go by.

What did we find?

Startle’s research into the post-lockdown pub experience and atmosphere reveals that over half (55.1%) of pub-goers find the pub just as relaxing as pre-lockdown, with a quarter (22.5%) thinking it’s even more relaxing now.

Also, two thirds (64.1%) of those who find the pub just as relaxing or more so now identify as regular pub goers (before lockdown), see graph 1.

Chart showing how relaxing people find the pub compared to before lockdown
Graph 1

However, over half (54.7%) of those who find the pub just as relaxing or more so now will not visit the pub as regularly as pre-lockdown.

While two thirds (66.1%) of those who think the pub is more relaxing now are male, see graph 2.

It certainly a challenging time, but Deloitte suggests pubs won’t achieve growth simply by just offering food and drink, and a focus on convenient use of technology is key to the quality of overall experience**.

Embracing the combined power of music and technology to shape behaviour is a smart and strategic way to engage your customers.

Chart showing how relaxing people find the pub compared to before lockdown, split by gender
Graph 2

Thoughts from our CEO, Adam Castleton:

"It seems that regular pub goers are getting used to the new post-lockdown experience, but with many of them indicating that they're not planning to visit as frequently as before, there's more work to do. We have been working with pub companies such as Greene King who have been investing in Covid-safe digital entertainment that can really make a mark on a great evening out."

This hub is the place to be for consumer research in retail and hospitality, so make sure to bookmark it, follow us on social, write it on a post-it note or whatever it is that you do. You could also sign up and subscribe to our mailing list, which is easy like Sunday morning.

Surveys carried out July 2020. Sample size (n) >1000 people, UK Nat. Rep. with 95% confidence level & margin of error of +/- 5%.

*The Guardian article: Coronavirus: pubs and restaurants across England to be forced to shut at 10:00pm. 21st September 2020.

**Deloitte: Experience is everything (2019).

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Over half of pub-goers find the pub just as relaxing now compared to pre-lockdown

Abbie Dawson

With a degree in Marketing and a Marketing Week Mini MBA in Marketing, Abbie has always had a goal of working with a brand with music in its DNA. Enter: Startle. She is in charge of our marketing activity, making sure to spread the word of Startle to as many brands as possible. When Abbie’s not working, you'll find her vinyl shopping to add to her collection or in the gym picking up heavy things or making enemies with a punching bag.

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