New insights from Star Pubs have highlighted the features pubgoers value most from their local, and there are few surprises.
An open fire (43%), comfortable seating (48%), and dog‑friendly touches like water bowls (20%) all scored highly. Food remains central to customer expectations, with a Sunday roast (46%) topping the list of must‑have dishes. Other staples, such as burgers (32%), fish and chips (28%), and classic pub grub, continue to shape consumer decision‑making.
Outdoor space also remains a powerful draw, with more than half of respondents (51%) saying a beer garden is essential for summer visits. Meanwhile, basics such as clean, well‑maintained toilets, highlighted by 64%, continue to be essential hygiene factors.
In fact, 83% of pubgoers describe their local as their ‘happy place’, and more than half say they have met some of their closest friends in a pub. Thirty-two per cent are on first‑name terms with their landlord, highlighting the ongoing importance of personal, community‑focused service.
To celebrate the individuality of pubs and reflect the diverse tastes highlighted in the research, Star Pubs has launched Dream Pub Studio which is an online tool that allows users to design their own virtual venue, from décor and layout to food and drink offer. Once completed, the pub becomes a 3D render that can be shared online.
