There's a historic narrative in British culture that the 'pub is the heart of the community' - I hear this a lot in casework, with many people bemoaning how their local pub is closing or has already closed.
It's true that many, many pubs have closed in recent years, and many of them independent local pubs, while corporate chains have done much better.
The larger pubs are much more able to weather the inclement mix of the huge increase in the cost of energy and raw materials, people feeling the pinch not being able to justify £6 a pint (!), with a night in seeming MUCH more appealing!
And the recent policies of increasing NI and minmium wage and rates changes haven't helped either, so many pub closures!
Bold**
But isn't it all just a myth....
I do have to wonder, I mean I love the pub, but really just sit and binge with my mates, I don't go there and get a warm sense of belonging to my local community, no pub does that for me.
I mean maybe it's different in yocal villages, but honestly most people aren't drinkers as such, and most people don't play darts, which is just about the only 'sport' I associate exclusively with pubs.
Surely cafes are more important for a sense of community, or children's play parks, factoring in parents?
I'm sure this pub as the heart of the community thing is exaggerated?!?