In February 1946, author and journalist George Orwell put pen to paper and laid out a manifesto for his perfect pub, The Moon Under Water.
Now, 80 years later, the British Beer and Pub Association’s Long Live the Local campaign has surveyed the British public to find out what makes their perfect pub.
Orwell said the “architecture and fittings must be uncompromisingly Victorian”, and with 33% of those polled picking a cosy, traditional atmosphere, it’s clear that style still reigns supreme. Only 6% prefer a modern, stylish character, the polling by More In Common found.
Another must-have feature of the nation’s dream pub is the beer garden, with 32% of the public seeing outdoor space as a non-negotiable. In a similar vein, one in ten also stressed the importance of a dog-friendly pub.
Pub grub is one of the most sought-after features, with 31% of Brits craving a pub Sunday roast, bangers and mash, or steak and chips. And for just over a quarter of pub-goers, convenience is the most important aspect of the local, with 27% favouring a venue that’s a short walk from their home.
The polling is release for August Bank Holiday, which could see a 5% increase in beer sales — an extra 2.7m pints — which is the equivalent of a £13.5m boost for pubs.
The results showed a clear generational divide. Pub patrons 75 years and older were the most in favour of traditional pub food, at 41%, as well as the closeness of their dream local (41%).
Those aged 18 to 24 years old are more concerned with entertainment and competing with one another. Of that group, 30% said pub games — a pool table and darts — were top of their wish list, while 27% described their perfect pub as one with a regular quiz night and live music.
“The fact that Orwell penned an essay on what makes the perfect pub is testament to how the humble local has long been cherished,” said Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the BBPA.
“There’s no better place to be on a bank holiday than the local, which is why the government must support the people behind the pint. They are not just a place to get a cracking Sunday roast or soak up the sun in the beer garden; they fight off loneliness, with socialising in pubs worth £30 billion in wellbeing every year.
“Ahead of the Budget, we’re calling on the government to bring beer duty and VAT in line with our European neighbours, as well as permanent reform to business rates and a cut in VAT.”
