Warning signs for “pub grub”

Nearly one third of UK adults say they are eating fewer pub meals than they were two years ago.

Research carried out by Canadean Consumer found that a total of 32% of UK adults now say that they are eating fewer meals in pubs. The biggest drop has come in those aged 45 or over, where 38% of people have said they have cut down on the number of pub meals.

Those aged 18-24 are more likely to eat in pubs, but even this age group has seen a 15% fall in the number of people enjoying pub meals.

The drop has come despite consumers saying they believe that there has been an improvement in pub menus over the last few years. The research has shown that people are satisfied with the variety and value of food on offer in pubs.

The research found that 60% of people believe pub menus have improved in the last five years and that 66% feel that a good variety of food is served. The good news for pubs is that 75% of consumers believe that the food served is good value for money, but only 53% said that it is good quality.

Michael Hughes, research manager with Canadean Consumer, said: “Although older adults are particularly impressed with the variety and quality of food served in pubs, as well as improvements to menus over the last few years, the results show that pubs are not seen by this group as appealing enough to maintain their custom, and that they will ultimately trade back up to restaurants that they deem better quality, once their financial situation improves.

“This shows that pubs still need to make improvements to their overall dining proposition, if they are to effectively compete with restaurants and maintain the custom of this affluent group.”