Population shifts lead to pub changes

Population changes have affected the viability of licensed premises.

Agents say pubs across the country have closed down and sprung up in new places, as areas have become more heavily populated by different ethnic communities or become "trendy".

They also point to this population shift as another reason for many rural pubs turning to food.

Fleurets Manchester office sales associate Tim Martin said: "There's one example of a pub in a Manchester area, formerly heavily populated by Irish people. Over the past 20 years, the community has become more Asian - this pub was sold off and is now an Iranian restaurant.

"Conversely, there are areas that have become popular and where more pubs are opening, such as Camden a few years ago."

The London Borough of Camden now has 1,400 licensed premises.

Richard Jones at Sidney Phillips' regional office in Illminster, Somerset, said rural pubs have also changed their offerings to suit the evolving environment.

"Once the hub of the community, the village pub was the place where manual farm workers went to drink.

"Now, many villages are dominated by commuters, retired people and sometimes holiday-cottage owners," said Jones.

He believes the smoke ban and new licensing regime are not the only factors that are driving more and more rural pubs to become dry-led.

"A change of locals has resulted in a decline in wet sales; this has often been balanced by increased food sales with some going as far as exploring the gastro-dining experience.

"Many a skittle alley has been converted to letting accommodation as the village inn proves a popular destination for a short break."