Beer writers stage the Great British Pub Debate

The debate, chaired by former chairman of the APPG Beer Group, John Grogan, was held in the Old Courtroom at Leeds Town Hall.

The audience first heard a presentation from Peter Martin of CGA Peach before debate began with Dan Murray of leeds-list.com proposing the motion: “This house believes that coffee shops, café bars, restaurant chains and take-aways are making the traditional pub less relevant”.

Andy Shaw, CAMRA national director, spoke in opposition. The seconders for both sides were Anja Madhvani of Northern Monk Brewery, for the motion, and Imogen Bennett of the Fox & Newt against it.

Brewers Thornbridge, Little Valley, Northern Monk, Roosters and North Brewing kindly provided beers.

The final result was a 56% to 44% defeat of the motion.

Chairman of the British Guild of Beer Writers, Tim Hampson, who set up the event, said: “This debate was a first for the Guild, but such was its success that I’m sure we’ll stage others in future.

“The future of the pub was a subject close to the hearts of everyone in the room. Proposer, opposer and seconders on both sides presented compelling arguments and many in the audience contributed insightful comments.

“Although one side had to win, there was much common ground between them, most notably an agreement that quality drink – accompanied often but not always by food – friendly staff and a sense of community are what makes a pub a pub, regardless of whether it sells as much coffee as craft beer.”

The event was organised jointly by Frances Brace, Guild committee member, and Simon Jenkins, a Guild member and former Beer Writer of the Year.

Brace said: “What the debate made clear is that it’s not a case of traditional pubs failing and hybrid venues thriving. Many traditional pubs are succeeding not because they’ve morphed into gastropubs or themed diners but because they know how to target their offer – and excel at what they do.

“Others have been slow to react to change and, by comparing themselves only with other pubs, have made themselves vulnerable to the café-bars, coffee shops and pop-up enterprises that have sprung up on the high street and nibbled away at their trade.

“The Great British Pub Debate was designed to give voice to excellent traditional pubs as well as to amazing hybrid venues and the proposers and seconders for both sides were brilliant.”