The report highlights atmosphere, food quality and community connection as major drivers of repeat visits.
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The study found traditional pub features remain highly valued by customers. Comfortable seating (48%) and an open fire (43%) were ranked among the most desirable elements, while 20% of respondents said dog friendly touches such as water bowls were important.
Food continues to play a central role in consumer expectations. A Sunday roast topped the list of must have dishes, cited by 46% of respondents, followed by burgers (32%), fish and chips (28%) and other classic pub staples.
Outdoor space also remains a significant draw for customers, with more than half of those surveyed saying a beer garden is essential during the summer months.
Last year Star Pubs invested £4.5m in enhancing the exteriors of 171 pubs, with 88 sites benefitting from improved gardens and 83 pub buildings revamped on the outside to boost their kerb appeal.
Basics are crucial
At the same time, operational basics remain crucial. Nearly two thirds of respondents (64%) highlighted clean and well-maintained toilets as an important factor influencing their overall pub experience.
Entertainment also plays a key role in driving footfall, with live music (31%), pub quizzes (24%) and sports (20%) ranking among the most popular attractions.
Community focus
The research also underscored the continued social importance of pubs within local communities. Three quarters of respondents (75%) said their local pub is the heart of the community, while 74% view their landlord as a key community figure.
More than eight in ten pubgoers (83%) described their local as their “happy place”, and 32% said they are on first name terms with their landlord.
Alongside the research, Star Pubs has launched an online tool that allows users to design a virtual pub, including layout, décor and food and drink offer.
Hance McPherson, head of licensee attraction at Star Pubs, said the findings highlight the importance of tailoring pubs to their local communities.
“From open fires and great Sunday roasts to friendly landlords, it is clear that people value certain elements over others and the creation of the ‘dream pub’ needs to be a reflection of the community,” he said.
