JN2053 - Feature

IS CHANGE NEEDED TO SURVIVE?

With traditional pubs closing down at a fast rate, how can these former focal points of the community survive the current climate?

Preston’s rich heritage as a town with lots of pubs is under threat. The town once boasted 365 pubs, each one crucial to the community in which it was placed.

With that number now halved and the small traditional pubs making way for big chain establishments, buckling under the weight of higher rent, taxes and smaller alcohol prices in the supermarkets, what is needed to survive in these testing times?

Madaleine Walsley Landlady at The Awkwirghts Pub on Plungington road has been in the industry for 20 years and isn’t worried about the current state of affairs.

"We have tried to keep a strong base of regulars, and we are of the belief that if we treat them well they will continue to come back. For many years now we have provided a selection of guest beers, quiz nights, as well as most importantly a good atmosphere. However we have added a facility for smokers in the form of an outside smoking terrace."

dddddddddddddddddLand Lady Madaleine Walsley pouring a pint

Mrs Walsley did however acknowledge that they are still not completely safe, sighting the smoking ban as a possible reason for the significant increase in pub closures in the Plungington area.

"I feel sorry for the Landlords of the Royal Oak and General Havelock which have recently closed but when profit margins are so tight it’s easy to get pushed over the edge."

Although Mrs Walsley continues to remain optimistic about the future of her pub, other pubs such as The Sun Hotel on Friargate have taken measures to make sure it doesn’t become another number on the list. Barmaid Camel Hickley said:

"We are trying different things such as music nights, as well as more drinks offers to try and bring in the students. However it is important that we continue to maintain a good atmosphere and stick to our roots as a pub that specialises in Celtic sports."

However is this enough to keep afloat? Saun Guest barman at the Scream chain pub Roper Hall which is next to The Sun Hotel doesn’t see any change to the status quo:

hhhhh The Sun Hotel business taken away by the arrival of the Scream chain

"I can only see the current situation getting worse; many of these traditional pubs don’t have the space we have to maximise profits. Students also stay away because of expensive prices and sometimes hostile atmosphere."

Weather the traditional pub can survive in the industry remains to be seen, however it is going to be a long road ahead.