Pubs in our lives: New Camra research highlights importance of local pubs

The research marks the start of Camra’s third national pub campaign of the year, Pubs in our Lives, which will run throughout October. The objective is to demonstrate just how often people use pubs for special events throughout their lives, ultimately calling on the public to start using them more often, before more close.

The findings: -​​

• 75% have celebrated a friend / family birthday
• 48% have celebrated a life at a wake
• 48% have had a date
• 42% have attended a wedding anniversary
• 36% have ‘wet the baby’s head’
• 20% have met their current partner

“This new research shows how many communities rely on the pub to celebrate important landmarks in our lives from wetting the baby’s head to toasting someone’s life,” said Camra’s chief executive Mike Benner.

“With more local facilities like community halls closing around Britain, the British pub is for many the only facility the community can use. The new research does throw open the question - Where would we be celebrating special occasions or meeting our future loved ones without the local pub?”

Staggering statistics​

CAMRA has distributed approximately 6,500 free ‘Pubs in Our Lives’ promotional packs that include beer mats and posters to help pubs promote these important messages to their visitors.

“Almost four in 10 pub-goers highlighted in the new research that they are visiting the pub less often that they did just 12 months ago,” added Benner. “This is worrying and as a staggering 26 pubs are still closing every week it is important we use our pubs more regularly and not only for these special occasions.

“The British pub needs the British public’s support throughout the year otherwise community life will diminish in many parts of the country.”

Cider & Perry Pub of the Year​

Meanwhile, a tiny railway platform pub in Norfolk has this week been named Camra’s National Cider & Perry Pub of the Year 2013.

The award is given to the pub or club which best promotes and encourages sales of quality real cider and perry.

Ian Pinches, who runs The Railway Arms together with his wife Lesley Ann and their son Callum, said: “We are overjoyed and we wish to thank our customers, supporters and suppliers. As a ‘micropub’ we are naturally committed to the concept of ‘small is beautiful’ and, although we have extended our range this year, we remain focussed on selling high-quality ciders.”

The Railway Arms beat three other finalists to take the title - The Royal Oak in Wantage, the Penrhyn Arms in Penrhynside and the George and Dragon in Dent.

The Cider & Perry Pub of the Year competition kicks off Camra’s Cider & Perry Month campaign for October. This campaign asks pubs around the country to encourage customers to enjoy a real cider and perry at least once during the month, with hundreds of events being hosted by participating pubs and Camra branches.