Over half of UK pub-goers just aren’t having fun like before
.png)
Written by
Abbie Dawson
Published
August 3, 2020
Category
Latest research
And our research shows the majority aren't intending to go to the pub as much post-lockdown.
The iconic British pub’s doors have been open for a few weeks now, with early footfall and like-for-like sales understandably down on last year.
Research from YouGov indicates that many Brits feel uncomfortable about returning to the pub, seeing it as a moderate COVID-19 risk, but that hasn’t stopped a fifth of regular pub goers already going back to their local*.
What do those who have already been back think about the post-lockdown pub?
Over half (54.6%) view going to the pub as not as fun as before (see graph 1), and the majority (51.8%) do not intend to visit with the same frequency as prior to lockdown.
This trend is even greater in those who feel very strongly that the pub isn't the same as it used to be, with over two thirds of them (67%) not intending to visit as much (see graph 2).
So, who is having the most fun?
Well, only 8.6% of people think the pub is more fun than before, but interestingly two thirds of those people are women (65%).
Thoughts from Startle CEO, Adam Castleton
“There are some encouraging signs for our much-loved pubs, notably the improving weekly sales since re-opening and the positive impact of the Eat Out To Help Out scheme. But our early research findings show that there's a gap in the experience that the pub-goer expects and enjoys. It’s therefore vital that we find new ways to entertain guests within COVID-secure guidance, that keeps them coming back as frequently as before.”
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.
Surveys carried out July 2020. Sample size (n) >1000 people, UK Nat. Rep. with 95% confidence level & margin of error of +/- 5%.
*YouGov: ‘How do Brits feel about reopened pubs?’. 24th July 2020
