I think it depends on the area of the pub whether city/village etc.

I used to go to a pub often when first turning 18 my options where my local which was 5 mins down the road and not in the city so it never really got busy. Or the cheap chain Weatherspoons (whether people like or dislike they sell pints and food very cheap and will be hard for people to look elsewhere when trying to enjoy themselves on a budget). They also seem to be popping up everywhere with more local pubs closing and with chains like Greene king struggling Weatherspoons could get to that "monopoly" status. Maybe not who knows. Ramble over hehe

The first local pub had a community vibe as in you'd see for the most part the same crowd of people regardless of time and day of week Occasionally you see a new face but for the most part you'd see the same crowd and in a way I see that as a community albeit a small one. Some pubs do quiz nights, open mic, Pool/Darts. But again varies.

I enjoyed reading this post and I agree many pubs have closed and if they haven't, yet they are most likely struggling to stay in their profit margins and are under stress.