New analysis of government data has revealed a stark picture for Britain's pubs, with one establishment shutting its doors for good every single day throughout 2025.
A Steady Decline in Community Hubs
The figures, analysed by tax specialists at Ryan, show that 366 pubs in England and Wales were either demolished or converted for other uses in the twelve months to December. This has reduced the total number of pubs, including those vacant or to let, to 38,623 from 38,989 the previous year.
Alex Probyn, practice leader for Europe and Asia-Pacific property tax at Ryan, clarified the permanence of the situation. He told the Press Association that these were not temporary closures. "The buildings have been demolished or converted into housing, offices, nurseries, cafés or other uses," he said. "Once repurposed, they almost never return to pub use."
Regional Impact and Mounting Cost Pressures
Every region across England and Wales suffered a net loss of pubs last year. The most significant declines were concentrated in the East Midlands, the North West, and Yorkshire & the Humber.
The closures occurred against a backdrop of intense financial strain on the sector. Pubs were among the businesses hit by increases in the national minimum wage and national insurance contributions in April 2025. Looking ahead, a further blow is expected from April 2026, when the average business rates payment for pubs is set to rise following an average increase in rateable values of 30%.
Nearly 2,000 pubs have vanished over the past five years, though the rate of decline has slowed slightly. Mr Probyn described the data as a "wake-up call", reflecting "deep structural pressures". He noted that many pubs that survived the pandemic are now being pushed to the brink by rising costs and an outdated rating system.
Calls for Government Intervention
Industry leaders have issued urgent pleas for support. Emma McClarkin, chief executive of the British Beer and Pub Association, emphasised the social cost of each closure. "Every time we lose a pub we lose a piece of our social fabric," she stated.
She argued that many closures are "totally unnecessary" and stem from a "heavy tax and rates burden." Ms McClarkin called for a pub-specific business rates relief scheme to prevent further job losses and preserve community institutions. "The situation is drastic," she said, "and we want to work with Government to ensure pubs are given a fair deal otherwise communities will lose cherished local institutions and, once they’re gone, they’re gone for good."
