The death of the locals? James May sparks debate on future of UK pubs

The pub has long been a part of British culture, being the ultimate place to wind down after a long week, catch up with friends, and enjoy a pint with good company.

Yet it’s no secret that pub businesses across the country have been struggling in the last few years, with rising business rates, employment costs, and increasing operating expenses putting great pressure on profit margins.

But recent comments from TV presenter James May have reignited debate over their future, as he suggested the UK no longer needs as many pubs as it once did – adding new fuel to an already heated discussion about what role pubs should play in modern Britain.

James May sparks debate over the future of Britain’s pubs

TV show host James May believes the survival of pubs comes down to the quality of the venues themselves.

The former Top Gear host – who co-owns the Royal Oak in Swallowcliffe, Wiltshire – says he often feels “conflicted” about efforts to help save local pubs, and that “if things need protecting, they’re not doing themselves any favours”.

“Pubs are not actually institutions, they’re not historical monuments or any of that stuff, they are essentially businesses first and foremost, but beyond that, they’re places that have to work,” May commented on LBC Radio.

“The pub will be saved by the pub, nothing else. It would be nice if we could have lower rates and lower duties and so on but that’s not really the issue. The issue is the quality of pubs themselves.”

He also added that “we don’t need as many pubs as we once had” and that “the good ones survive and the bad ones will fade away.”

May’s opinions sparked debate on social media, with people divided over whether the UK has too many pubs or whether economic pressures are forcing them out of business.

“[James May] is absolutely completely out of touch because he’s rich,” one user commented, as reported by The Express. “The youth cannot afford to go out, party and meet up because of the price; a whole generation is missing out on what we all took for granted.

However, another agreed with May, pointing out that pubs were “popular in a time when houses had no central heating” but that “taxation of beer by the government has made pubs too expensive”.

A sector under strained pressure

Data reported by The Morning Advertiser reveals that the number of pubs fell to 44,650 in 2026, marking a decline of 16,150 venues since 2000. Meanwhile, the BBC reported that pubs are continuing to disappear at an alarming rate, with almost two closures recorded every day in 2026.

Sadly, there are several reasons for this, as pub venues are facing a perfect storm of soaring energy bills, higher employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), and increasing business rates.

And more recently, the conflict in the Middle East has added further pressure, driving up fuel, energy and transportation costs across global supply chains. For hospitality businesses already operating on tight margins, these increases are creating yet another wave of inflationary pressures that are starting to be felt throughout the supply chain. 

Changing consumer behaviour has played a part as well, particularly with the cost-of-living crisis having an impact on everyday spending, with 63% of Brits saying they’ve reduced their pub visits due to rising costs. This, coupled with the fact that the average price of a pint has risen by 36% in the last four years, has inevitably led many consumers to cut back on social spending.

Still, the social value pubs bring to local communities is nothing to be overlooked, particularly with the average pub delivering £1.3m of economic and social value. 

Moreover, data reported by The Drinks Business found that 52% of young people (aged 18-24) say socialising with friends or colleagues at the pub has a positive impact on their wellbeing, meaning there’s still a clear role for pubs as important social spaces in the country.

How pubs should adapt to survive

Regardless of where people stand on May’s comments, pubs are operating in an increasingly challenging environment. With constant high costs and changing consumer habits, many venues are being forced to rethink traditional business models to remain profitable.

For example, there’s a clear shift towards offering experiences rather than simply serving drinks, with consumers increasingly seeking venues that provide entertainment, events, and a memorable atmosphere. 

After all, 19.7% of Millennial pubgoers are seeking premium experiences, which shows a growing importance for creating occasions that justify the cost of a night out, rather than just what’s on the menu.

Consumer demand for low and no-alcohol drinks is also on the rise, as 49% of young adults now opt for these options. Pubs that embrace these trends may be better positioned to attract and retain customers in the years ahead.

Meanwhile, while many of them are not quite old enough for their first pint, Gen Alpha are set to reshape pubs and bars in the future, with events like gaming nights expected to play a greater role in driving footfall and creating experience-led social spaces.

And finally, with the pub still delivering social value to local communities, businesses should continue to market themselves as welcoming spaces, such as through channels like social media, to engage with younger generations and encourage visits through both menu offerings and unique experiences.

In the end, while pubs face undeniable economic pressure, their role in community life remains difficult to replace. Whether you agree with May’s comments or note, one thing is clear – the future of the British pub will depend on its ability to evolve, adapt, and stay relevant to a new generation of drinkers.

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Planet of the Grapes founder Matt Harris has over 25 years of experience in hospitality. Read his bi-monthly column for Startups now.

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