Since 1980, pub numbers in Britain have fallen from 69,000 to around 52,000; 21 pubs are closing every week. Some of this is down to changing social habits, some to the attractiveness of pub buildings to developers, some to other reasons. We shouldn't forget, though, that pubs and bars remain the most popular leisure destinations for adults and that many pubs are thriving, even in the unlikeliest locations.

Pubs cannot afford to stand still. The competition for people's time and money is fiercer than ever – not just from supermarkets and other providers for home-based drinking but alternative venues like cafe/bars, coffee shops and casual dining chains.

CAMRA campaigns both to promote and protect our pubs. It isn't for us to tell pub owners and licensees how to run their pubs. However, as campaigners, we will seek to influence their thinking by highlighting what customers want and what seems to work in attracting that custom.

We have carried out market research into the likes and dislikes of all pub-goers (not just CAMRA members) and the results inform and shape what follows.

Local communities, often with support from their local CAMRA branch, are fighting back and bucking the trend;

In April 2025 the Olde England, Northampton became a community-run pub.

In January 2026 the Polebrook community launched a campaign to save their local, see Kings Arms, Polebrook for more details.