According to NIQ’s PubTrack, which is based on a range of metrics including overall satisfaction and value for money as well as the quality of drinks and service alongside intentions to revisit and recommend, Wellington jumped six places from last year’s chart due to a consistently strong performance against all aspects.
Furthermore, in addition to the overall ranking, PubTrack also delivers breakdowns by individual metrics such as service, where Everards, Wellington Pub Company and Brakspear came in first, second and third.
While Everards and Wellington also topped the list for quality of drinks, the chart for best value experience was led by JD Wetherspoon.
East Midlands-based business Everards took second place while Brunning & Price, which topped the list in 2023 and 2024, was third this year.
Important qualities
The full top 10 pub operators:
- Wellington Pub Company
- Everards
- Brunning & Price
- Brakspear
- Youngs
- Thwaites
- JD Wetherspoon
- Hall & Woodhouse
- Star Pubs
- JW Lees
Moreover, the research also looked at brand advocacy and loyalty. This found Brunning & Price led for most advocates as well as building regular guests.
Elsewhere, it also polled consumers on what mattered most to them, revealing 55% said ‘welcoming’ was the most important quality when they visit a pub.
Almost four in 10 (38%) agreed it is more important now that pubs are good value than it was a year ago.
NIQ client director Dani Rowlands said: “With consumer spending tight and competition high, it’s more important than ever for on-premise businesses to understand how guests really feel about pubs.
“These PubTrack rankings build an unrivalled picture of the landscape, revealing both the groups that are getting their strategies right and those that have more work to do.”
Changing perceptions
Rowlands added: “The significant year-on-year movement in our lists show how fast brand perception can shift, as well as the importance of fundamental pub qualities like value and service.
“With more change sure to follow in 2026, PubTrack will be an essential tool for all operators and suppliers seeking to stay on top of consumer sentiment.”
