5 Trends Changing UK Pubs in 2025 and How to Stay Ahead

The UK pub scene is shifting. Consumer habits are evolving, costs are rising, and operators are rethinking how they run their businesses. Staying ahead means adapting quickly.

Younger drinkers are cutting back on alcohol. Big pub groups are bringing sites back under their control. Experiences are pulling in punters, and community spirit is making a comeback. At the same time, staff expectations are changing, forcing operators to rethink training and culture.

UK hospitality businesses that embrace these trends will thrive. Here’s the trends shaping the industry in 2025:

1. The Rise of No and Low Alcohol

Pubs aren’t just about pints anymore. The No and Low alcohol movement is reshaping drinking culture, and pubs that ignore it risk losing out.

Sales of No and Low alcohol drinks in pubs jumped 23% in 2023, with draught options leading the charge. The category now represents 1.7% of total beverage alcohol volumes, and for the first time, UK sales have passed the £1 billion mark. The biggest drivers are younger consumers and health-conscious drinkers.

And they’re not just looking for a token alcohol-free lager. 32% of consumers are actively trying to cut back on alcohol, and they want premium, sophisticated alternatives. Think craft-style No and Low beers, complex botanical spirits, and alcohol-free cocktails that don’t feel like an afterthought.

Smart operators are expanding their ranges, training staff on how to upsell No and Low options, and rethinking their menus. Pubs that get this right will tap into a growing market without alienating traditional drinkers.

2. The Growth of Managed Pubs

The managed pub model is on the rise as operators look to tighten cost control, streamline operations, and create a more consistent guest experience.

For years, leased and tenanted pubs dominated the UK market. But with rising costs and shrinking margins, more groups are shifting to direct management to standardise processes, optimise staffing, and improve profitability.

Hall & Woodhouse is a prime example. With 55 managed pubs and 1,900 employees, they faced inefficiencies with fragmented HR, scheduling, and payroll systems. Recruitment varied across locations, and outdated manual processes slowed everything down.

By switching to Harri’s workforce management platform, Hall & Woodhouse transformed their operations:

  • Smarter scheduling that adapts to labour demand and seasonal shifts.
  • Better payroll integration to reduce admin time and errors.
  • More efficient recruitment with a centralised ATS, improving the candidate experience.

Most importantly, Harri helped Hall & Woodhouse reclaim hundreds of hours per week, freeing up managers to focus on running great pubs.

For operators ditching the old ways for a managed model, tech gives them an edge. Implementing data-driven scheduling, automated payroll, and streamlined hiring gives pubs the power to slash costs without sacrificing service or staff happiness.

3. Events-Led Pubs: Experiences Over Pints

In addition to being a place to grab a drink, pubs are becoming experience hubs. Live music, quiz nights, bottomless brunches, and themed events are pulling in customers who want more than just a pint.

Operators are leaning into events as a revenue driver, using them to boost midweek footfall and attract new crowds. Sports screenings, comedy nights, and ticketed tasting sessions are filling seats and keeping customers engaged. The outcome is higher spend per visit and stronger customer loyalty.

But with events come operational challenges. Staffing levels need to match demand, and schedules must be flexible. That’s where smart workforce management comes in. By tracking footfall patterns and using data-driven scheduling, pubs can optimise staffing for peak times, reduce labour costs, and ensure smooth service.

4. Community-Driven Pubs

Pubs have always been a cornerstone of British communities, but today, that role is changing. Operators are focusing on local engagement, inclusivity, and pub culture to build deeper connections with their customers.

Many pubs are leaning into charity partnerships, hosting local events, and creating family-friendly spaces to attract a broader audience. From sponsoring grassroots sports teams to organising fundraising nights, these initiatives build loyalty and give people a reason to return.

A strong community focus also improves the workplace culture. When staff feel connected to their workplace and its values, they are more engaged, stay longer, and provide better service. Tools like Harri Engage help operators track employee sentiment and create an environment where both staff and customers feel welcome.

5. Training and Development: The Key to Retention

The labour shortage shows no signs of abating, and to keep their pubs thriving, operators are investing in more training, culture, and employee well-being.

Staff expect more than just a payslip. They want career growth, flexibility, and a workplace that values them. But translating these priorities into real action is an industry-wide challenge. Many HR teams rely on manual, disconnected processes to manage training and engagement, which leads to inefficiencies and higher turnover.

Harri’s Applicant Tracking System (ATS) and employee engagement tools are a game-changer for pubs pushing to keep their workforce. By streamlining hiring, tracking training, and creating clear career paths, Harri helps pubs build a team that’s invested and skilled. This tech-driven approach boosts employee retention and creates a workforce that’s motivated and hungry to grow.

A well-trained, motivated team isn’t just good for retention. It improves service, drives revenue, and strengthens pub culture. The best operators know that investing in people is just as important as investing in the guest experience.

Staying Ahead in 2025

The UK pub industry is changing fast. No and Low alcohol is surging, managed pubs are gaining ground, and events are bringing in new crowds. Community-driven initiatives are strengthening loyalty, and pub culture is more important than ever. Training programs and employee engagement are now a standard expectation. 

Staying ahead means having the right strategy and the right tools. Join the 40+ pubs already using Harri to cut costs, retain staff, and run smarter operations. Speak to a hospitality expert today.

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