Pub 2.0 is here - Ed's letter

Tales of the death of the pub are frequent on these pages and, while not exaggerated - CAMRA reported that more than 300 pubs have closed in the first three months of 2025 alone - they are not to be extrapolated out to mean the death of the sector.

It is, yes, looking far from ideal. Camra chairman Ash Corbett-Collins said: “Pubgoers are calling on the Chancellor to look closely at the rate of pub closures between now and the Budget in the Autumn, to think again on the employer national insurance hike for pubs and to cut rates of VAT and duty charged on beer and cider served in pubs. Without action from governments in all four nations, we risk losing more pubs which are a vital part of our social fabric and are at the heart of community life up and down the UK.”

Everyone reading this is familiar with the story and also familiar with the education process that needs to take place between the hospitality sector and government. Our sector offers both jobs and careers, with an emphasis on entry-level opportunities. Too often this is confused with jobs for people who find it challenging to find work elsewhere. This sector is truly for everyone who wants a role here, not just in Saturday-night bar work - although that has a critical place in delivering your venue’s hospitality brand - but in finance, HR, marketing, everything you would expect to find in grown-up industries.

While we think about how to present this message effectively, this hack has been hearing about the rise of Pub 2.0. Pubs like those at Public House Group, a favourite in the Financial Times, where the venues have a community focus and are, they say: “committed to supporting British produce and encouraging the next generation to join the industry. By showing how it helps the environment and offers many different career paths, we hope to inspire more people to get involved”.

The group adds: “A major shift is needed to preserve both the essence of pubs and the farming we value.”

This shift is making its presence felt on the high street, rejuvenating the pub sector and attracting both customers and investors back to the sector. It’s exciting to be at the start of a revolution - although wise to stop once you’ve reached your tally of heads - and there is a mood of renewal. One of the oldest industries is getting a new lease of life.