Pub closures in the West Midlands have slowed significantly in recent months and across the country, over 50% of pubs are in growth as the UK as the pub is once again seen as the venue of choice, according to Staffordshire-based Punch Taverns.

These findings, although distinctly positive, would appear to buck the trend within the licensed trade when just a few months ago, predictions for the sector were not looking good. For Punch Taverns, this turnaround has been due in part to a shift in consumer demand which has seen Punch licensees adapt their offer and diversify into new areas.  

Pubs are no longer just places where people go to have a drink, they have become whatever local demand requires, whether pub - related or not!

One of the key developments for pubs as a result of the current climate has been the introduction of good quality, value for money food offers. They have even extended their opening hours to enable them to offer breakfast.

Punch have also seen pubs offering coffee and wifi, mother and baby sessions and even "use my local" which includes having residential packages delivered to your local pub for collection when the post office would be shut. 

Punch is 100% behind their leased partners in exploring new avenues and aim to offer all their current and potential partners support and advice in doing so. They have also committed to a large investment programme of c£60 million to enhance their existing portfolio for partners and where relevant, introduce a basic kitchen and dining area for those that require it.

Your local may not be what it used to be but the changes are a testament to licensees who have risen to the challenge of the recession by evolving their businesses and casting doubt on the reported demise of the British Pub!

Anyone wishing to find out more about running a pub with Punch should visit our website www.punchpubs.co.uk