What does 2026 have in store for pubs?

"Ethical innovation in 2026 means designing supplements with the highest standards for efficacy and safety; brands and CEOs need to be ok without taking shortcuts," said Schneider.
Pubs will need their running shoes to succeed in 2026 (Getty Images)

The Lock In team takes a look at the year ahead for pubs, and asks, can it be any worse than 2025?!

Looking ahead, the Lock In speaks to Tony Sophoclides of UKHospitality and the BII’s Steve Alton to see what prospects are in store from our beloved Government.

We take a look at the upcoming business rates challenges in April with Paul Turner-Mitchell of Ryan Tax, and we chat food and drink trends with CGA’s Rachel Weller and Lumina’s Andy Crossan.

And just to keep things a little more positive, we speak to a new entrant to the pub trade, Sandie Wood of the Nelson Tavern and multiple operator Nick Marshall of True Pour who’s expanding to a further two sites in the coming months.

So tune in now, to hear our predictions for 2026.

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