The great pub divide: UK pub trends in 2025

The UK’s pub culture is as quintessentially British as tea and the royal family—Brits and pubs go together like fish and chips. But pubs today look very different from the ones we frequented in years gone by. From family-friendly pubs to wine bars and craft breweries, preferences have diversified, yet the enduring popularity of the British pub cannot be overstated.

Whether it’s shifting expectations or a generational divide, emerging trends are reshaping pub culture and could dictate the future of British pubs. These changes highlight the importance of having pub insurance in place to protect your business.

Our survey* has uncovered fascinating insights into the UK’s pub habits, from favourite drinks to how often Brits visit their local. Let’s dive into the details and what they mean for 2025.

What people want from pubs in 2025

While the tradition of popping into the pub for a quick pint after work might not be as common anymore, expectations for a great pub experience remain high. Quality drinks, delicious food, and a buzzing atmosphere are still top priorities. But what do Brits really think about the pub scene today? We surveyed 2,000 people to uncover their likes, dislikes, and predictions for pubs in 2025.

Drink trends

When asked about their favourite pub drinks, 27% of Brits chose cider, while 18% opted for craft lagers, 14% preferred locally distilled vodka, and only 12% selected gin.

Generational differences were also evident. Those over 60 were most likely to order a glass of wine (24%), whereas under-30s favoured a pint of Coke (30%). Notably, 32% of under-30s said they always opt for non-alcoholic drinks at the pub, compared to just 18% of those aged 45-60.

This highlights a distinct generational shift, with younger drinkers increasingly comfortable opting for soft drinks, while older generations remain more inclined to stick with alcoholic choices when down at the pub.

Despite differences in drink preferences, one thing unites pub-goers: their choice of cola. 52% of respondents across all age groups prefer Coca-Cola over Pepsi (33%), seemingly settling the long-standing debate.

Surprisingly, when it comes to ordering, 47% of Brits now favour queueing for drinks—a newer controversial trend—while 33% prefer the traditional method of waiting at the bar. Regardless of the approach, British politeness appears to prevail.

Food favourites

British pubs remain synonymous with classic comfort food, and our survey confirmed that traditional pub favourites still dominate menus.

When it comes to snacks, the most popular choices include:

• Sweet potato wedges (32%)
• Mozzarella sticks (30%)
• Loaded nachos (23%)
• Onion rings (22%)
• Charcuterie boards (11%)
• Bowls of olives (10%)

For larger meals, preferences vary across generations. Among Gen Z, the top choices are:

• Chicken wings (36%)
• Garlic flatbreads (26%)
• Fish and chips (26%)
• Burgers (23%)

For over-60s, classic options take centre stage, with:

• Chips (48%) being the most popular,
• Followed by fish and chips (46%),
• Beef and ale pie (37%),
• Scampi and fries (28%), and
• Salted peanuts (26%).

Whether it’s snacks or hearty meals, pubs continue to cater to a wide variety of tastes, ensuring something for everyone to enjoy.

Atmosphere

A good pub is all about atmosphere. Whether it’s catching up with friends, competing in a pub quiz, or simply unwinding, a welcoming environment is crucial.

Our survey found that 68% of Brits see pubs as a British institution, and 35% believe pubs are the best place to catch up with friends. These findings highlight the enduring appeal of the pub as a social hub.

Pubs then and now

Almost half (48%) of 18–29-year-olds believe pubs have changed for the better. The modern generation is happy to say goodbye to sticky floors (32%) and other remnants of their parents’ pub experiences. 33% feel the selection of drinks has improved, while 42% think the food is now of a higher standard. For some, the changes go beyond what’s on the menu—19% attribute the improvement to a shift in clientele, and 24% believe the atmosphere is better than ever.

However, many traditional pub features are being left behind by Gen Z, with survey respondents citing patterned carpets (33%), pork scratchings (32%), and vending machines in loos (23%) as outdated.

On the other hand, 40% of over-60s think pubs have worsened over the years, showing that modernisation isn’t universally appreciated. Whether you prefer the charm of traditional pubs or the contemporary feel of today’s establishments, the UK’s diverse pub culture continues to offer something for everyone.

The British pub traditions falling out of favour

Here’s what the survey revealed about which ‘iconic’ pub staples are seen as less popular than they used to be…

1. Pickled eggs – 60% (of all surveyed think these are falling out of favour)
2. Pickled onions – 49%
3. Sticky floors – 44%
4. Patterned carpets – 33%
5. Pork scratchings – 32%
6. Dart boards – 31%
7. Fruit machines – 28%
8. Jukeboxes – 27%
9. Snooker/pool tables – 24%
10. Vending machines in loos – 23%
11. Chicken in a basket – 21%
12. Beer mats – 17%
13. Packets of crisps – 17%
14. Dry roasted peanuts – 16%
15. Ham, eggs and chips – 15%

The future of British pubs

On average, Brits visit the pub five times a month, with Gen Z going the most (six times) and over-60s the least (four times). While the nation’s love for pubs is undeniable, 67% of respondents find them expensive, with the average cost of a drink now standing at £5.20. This has led 46% of survey participants to cut back on the number of pub visits each month.

Despite rising costs, more than 55% expressed sadness over the closure of so many pubs and bars, suggesting that for many, the cost of a pub visit is still a justifiable expense.

While generational preferences differ—such as Gen Z favouring soft drinks and craft beers over traditional lagers—the majority of UK pub-goers continue to value the experience of catching up with friends at their local.

Protecting pubs with specialist insurance

In the face of an evolving industry, safeguarding pubs is more important than ever. Our insurance experts can arrange specialist pub insurance that is designed to help businesses protect against the unexpected, offering comprehensive cover including:

• Business interruption: Protects against loss of profit caused by events like flooding, fires, or theft.
• Public liability and employers’ liability: Covers claims from visitors or employees injured on the premises.
• Building and contents cover: Protects your property, stock, and equipment.

Our insurance packages can be tailored to cover the above and much more. With the right insurance in place, you can focus on running your pub without the worry of unexpected setbacks.

Ready to protect your pub?

At Premierline, we understand the unique challenges faced by pub owners. Contact our experts today to create the perfect insurance package for your business and keep your pub running smoothly into 2025 and beyond.

Call: 0333 320 6009

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*This research of 2,000 Britons was commissioned by Premierline and conducted by Perspectus Global during January 2025.