Pub closures and fewer hops leave UK brewers in a fight for survival

Fancy a pint?

- Adam Henson

It's not only an invitation that's hard to turn down, it's also been music to the ears of publicans since the age of coaching inns and ye olde tavern in the town. But in 2025 is British beer under threat? The idea that popping into the local for a pint of Best could soon become a thing of the past is being taken seriously. And the assault is on two fronts. First there's the battle to save pubs, clubs and bars from closure as the hospitality industry continues to struggle in the post-pandemic world. In England and Wales, 305 pubs closed for good in the first half of last year, according to the real estate data company Altus. There are predictions things could get worse this year, with the rise in the minimum wage and employer's National Insurance Contributions making it more expensive to maintain and hire staff.