Number of pubs in England and Wales falls to record low

Covid-19 and soaring costs result in drop to below 40,000 during first half of this year

There are fewer pubs in England and Wales than ever before, according to analysis that sheds light on the ruinous impact of the coronavirus pandemic and soaring business costs.

The total number of pubs dropped below 40,000 during the first half of 2022, a fall of more than 7,000 compared with a decade ago.