MORE than four pubs per day across the UK are closing their doors and calling time on their status as the hub of the community.
However, a Hampshire-based company which owns a string of country pubs, including The Thomas Lord at West Meon and the White Hart at South Harting, is encouraging rural and out-of-town pubs to stick to their roots and preserve what it means to run a traditional country inn.
A study by The Upham Pub Company identified “friendly and inviting atmosphere”, “attentive staff” and “good quality food” as the top three factors that make a “perfect country pub”, highlighting the crucial elements which will contribute to a premium customer journey in a pub.
Participants in the study of over 500 nationwide pub goers, including customers of the premium group, also cited that “attractive surroundings and décor”, “versatile outdoor space” and a “loveable landlord or lady” were key in how customers decided what contributes towards a great customer experience in this setting.
Factors such as access to free Wi-Fi, regular events and live sport coverage were found to be of less importance in an out-of-town pub setting, suggesting that concentrating on a core offering will pay dividends to such a pub.
Commenting on the findings chief executive officer of Upham Pub Company Chris Phillips said: “The research we have carried out not only re-focuses our offering as a group, it also highlights consumer demand for a traditional country pub experience when it comes to visiting rural and out of town sites throughout our industry.
“With a worrying number of pubs closing down on a weekly basis, it’s important to remember what’s important to customers and what a country pub stands for.
“We want to provide our guests with a ‘home away from home’ and are a hub of the community – with great food, a great atmosphere, surrounded by welcoming and attentive staff – something the findings clearly show is of the upmost importance to pub-goers.”
At the end of 2015, there were still just over 52,000 pubs across the country and their rate of closure had slowed down. But the Campaign for Real Ale was still urging the Government to take more action to help pubs survive in the current uncertain economic climate.
Mr Phillips added:?“We’re not an inner city pub, we’re a traditional country pub collective, and we should stay true to the values and ways of working that come with this positioning.
“Giving back to our communities by not only providing the offering they’re seeking, but by going above and beyond to make a difference, is something we feel passionate about across the Upham estate and will continue to deliver upon as our business continues to grow.”