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.

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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.”

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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