If you are planning a trip to London, you may find it more difficult to order "a pint" at a pub.
The number of pubs in England and Wales is decreasing, according to figures from British authorities.
In the first three months of the year, 239 pubs disappeared, which corresponds to 80 per month. This marks a 56 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023, as reported by the Independent.
These old pubs are primarily being demolished or converted into apartments, offices, and kindergartens.
Pub owners attribute the decline to high energy costs, rising food prices that affect consumers, and high taxes on the industry.
As a result, they have urged politicians to improve conditions for pubs during the British election campaign.
"It Is Deeply Tragic'"
For Torben Mathews, the closure of so many pubs is heartbreaking.
Mathews is a pub-owner with British roots.
"It is deeply tragic to see pubs disappear and be converted into housing. It is disastrous for British culture," he told P1 Morgen.
Mathews is currently writing a guidebook about East London's pubs. He believes pubs are as integral to British everyday life as primary schools, local gas stations, and community halls.
However, he fears that soon pubs will only be spoken of in the past tense.
Pubs are places where people of different social distinctions meet in a class-divided British society.
"This is where you go and talk to people with whom you have a good time. It is also a place where you meet people whom you consider good acquaintances and perhaps even friends whom you have never been able to invite home," Mathews said.
Changing Lifestyles Make Pubs Emptier
But Mathews believes several factors are at play beyond higher costs.
For instance, the population composition has changed, with more people coming from former colonies who do not share a beer culture. Additionally, he notes that lifestyles have changed since the 1950s when there were no fitness centers and fewer activities to participate in.
In the past, major activities such as football matches and dog races were often associated with trips to the pub before and after.
Today, there are countless other options, which is one of the most important reasons for the decline, says Mathews.
Still, he does not believe pubs must disappear, as they are a significant part of the country's cultural heritage.
According to the Independent, the Conservatives, Labour, and Liberal Democrats have all promised to make it easier to run shops, pubs, and restaurants.
