If you forget the sensationalist headline and the various opinions in the piece unsubstantiated by facts, this Mail on Sunday article about the rise of the coffee shop and the fall of the pub is quite an interesting read.

I’m typically cynical by nature so the fact that throughout the article there are attributed quotes from named individuals espousing the benefits of coffee shops but the only quote that purports to show any support for pubs comes from the ubiquitous “industry insider” only heightens my suspicion as to the reasoning and motive behind the article.

True, there is a pretty sensational rise in the number of coffee shops in the UK at the moment, some 15,000 at the moment and it is also true that the number of pubs are decreasing. However, I don’t see there two types of operations as two mutually exclusive competitors. They can both exist in the marketplace as sole coffee and beer purveyors or they can exist as hybrids of each other that sell ale and coffee together in equal measure.

The main thing to bear in mind when discussing pub closures/coffee shops opening is that the key to success is doing things well. The old stat about 18 pubs closing down per week was trotted out as usual, and although this is a depressing statistic it might also be a necessary one.

How many of those 18 pubs were good, well run pubs with a dedicated clientele and fantastic array of well cared for and well stocked ales? There is a real thirst for quality real ale pubs – if pub owners aren’t able to step up and provide this then perhaps it is best that they move aside and allow publicans with a passion and vision for providing what the customer wants instead of the hackneyed megapub chain. Enter stage – the brewpub…

There are some odd quotes in the article such as –

“Pubs are not synonymous with grab-and-go purchases like coffee. They are also not associated with long opening hours, and pubs often don’t have glass fronts like coffee shops that show they’re open.”

My own opinion is that if you aren’t able to deduce whether a place is open or not (glass fronted or otherwise) your release into the community maybe somewhat premature.

Go and have a read of The traditional local could soon be a coffee shop (which also sells alcohol): Last orders for pubs…forget the pint, we’re going for a cappuccino and let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

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