The nationwide survey of 2,000 adults found that 31% had developed either a business idea (18%) or a website concept (13%) during a visit to their local.
More than one in five (21%) said they had used a trip to the pub to discuss an existing business idea.
For some, those conversations translate into action. One in 10 respondents (12%) said they had gone on to purchase a domain name immediately after leaving the pub.
The findings build on previous research highlighting the wider civic role of pubs. A recent study by Zonal, CGA by NIQ and UKHospitality found that 69% of consumers believe hospitality plays an important role in their communities, underlining the sector’s value beyond food and drink.
Pub born ideas
Retail and ecommerce businesses were the most commonly cited pub born ideas (9%), followed by tech (9%), pet care (7.5%), fashion (7.5%) and hospitality (7.5%).
Dominic Radcliffe, founder of nettle tea brand Heavy Nettle, said he purchased his domain and registered his trademark after discussing the concept with a friend at The Army & Navy pub in Newington Green.
“I’d come up with a name, but it wasn’t until I discussed the idea over pints with a mate that I started to realise it could become a real thing,” he said. “He encouraged me to go for it so I did.”
‘Perfect environment’
He added: “Pubs are the perfect environment to discuss and improve on nascent ideas. They are cultural hubs where people come together to exchange thoughts.”
Alexandra Rosen, economist and head of the GoDaddy Small Business Research Lab, said: “Beyond being a social space, pubs are increasingly a place for people to gain inspiration, test ideas and take their first steps towards entrepreneurialism.”
