[The Wizard]

It seems we just get comfortable in one pub then along comes a new landlord who either hates students or wants to turn it into a family food pub and we're forced to find somewhere else to drink. Almost every pub in my town has been ruined and had the guts ripped out of it and lost all it's cosyness and character.

I won't speak for all students but the majority of my friends like places which are a bit spit and sawdust and have some kind of atmosphere. But it seems the modern trend is to do away with anywhere like this and replace them with characterless wine bar style, open plan establishments serving rip off beer and gastro food. Anything remotely old or traditional seems to be getting replaced by modern art on newly plastered walls with leather sofas and bright halogen downlighters everywhere. They look less like pubs and more like showrooms and there never seems to be anyone in. They are killing off all the good pubs.


Anyone else experienced this or is it just around here?

[Ladyliesel]

It's getting harder for pubs and many are trying to raise profits by appealing to families and providing meals. Increased beer taxes, cheap drink at supermarkets, and the smoking ban have made it hard for pubs to keep customers. Many will try changing to save themselves. It's a pity that the traditional pub is endangered.

[Gridders06]

Comming from someone who has been bought up in pubs all my life I think the food aspect of it now makes more money so they are aiming for the posh eateries. It's a shame as I really miss the cosy pubs the many we had I had to do the log fires in, and there is not many pubs that you get them in now.

[The Wizard]

Well the thing is, there's only one real ale traditional boozer type pub left in our town now and it's the busiest pub in town. All the students flock there because all the other pubs have either been ruined, shut down or turned in to family food places. It's run by this old fella who stocks up on all weird and wonderful liquors and spirits and he's got good taste in music too and has live jamming sessions. The fact that it's the busiest pub in town must mean there's still a strong market for real pubs as opposed to plastic pubs but for some reason people think food and families spend more money but certainly in our town, those kind of pubs always seem to be the ones with the fewest people in them.


Family food pubs and wine bars are ok if your out for a meal or meeting up for a sophisticated glass of wine with some friends but hopeless if you want to go out for a real good knees up and a laugh with your mates. I don't think you can beat real pubs with open fires, wooden or tiled floors where it's a bit scruffy looking and maybe someone on a guitar in the corner. I've spent many a happy night staggering home from pubs like this.

[dimensionsofreek]

(Original post by Ladyliesel)
Increased bear taxes

"Let the bears pay the Bear Tax. I pay the Homer Tax!"

[Ladyliesel]

(Original post by dimensionsofreek)
"Let the bears pay the Bear Tax. I pay the Homer Tax!"

Lol! I can't believe I didn't notice that.

[KCLeblanc]

Often it's pub owning companies like Punch and Enterprise who ruin pubs.

When you rent a pub, you don't just pay rent you also have to buy all your beer through them as well. Not only do you end up paying more for your beer but they get full knowledge of exactly what you're selling and how much money you make. If you start to make a decent living the rent goes up.

To make it worse there are many pubs that punch (and the others) WANT to put out of business. The buildings are worth more as land to build houses and flats on, and the required planning permission is easier to obtain if pub has had to close down.