Brits reveal what makes the perfect pub
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As football season kicks off, fans are gearing up to head to their favorite local pubs to cheer on their teams. But what truly defines a great pub in the UK? Is it the quality of the food, the beer garden, the sports coverage, or perhaps the chance to win a few quid on the fruit machines?
The team at OLBG.com survey Brits to find out what truly makes the perfect pub in the UK. From must haves, amenities and entertainment – what is drawing people down to the pub every day?
The Top 10 Must-Have Amenities for the Perfect UK Pub
Going to the pub that has good with your friends on the weekend is an experience that many Brits treasure, with 80% citing it as a must-have. Beer gardens come in second place in popularity, with significant support from both men (61%) and women (68%).
When it comes to beer selection, 57% of men consider it crucial for the perfect pub, compared to just 29% of women. Conversely, women place higher importance on music, with 62% viewing it as a key amenity.
Live sports are a major draw for men, with 43% emphasizing its importance. This preference is echoed by younger patrons aged 18-24, who also prioritize food, music, and pool tables. In contrast, older age groups place greater value on the pub’s atmosphere, with this factor being 49% more important to them than to those aged 18-24.
Other high-ranking features include food (84%) and beer gardens (72%), highlighting their significant appeal across various demographics.
| Rank | Most important amenities | % of Brits who votes |
| 1 | Food | 80% |
| 2 | Pub garden | 64% |
| 3 | Atmosphere | 60% |
| 4 | Music | 56% |
| 5 | Beer Selection | 43% |
| 6 | Sunday Roast/Carvery | 37% |
| 7 | Live Music | 36% |
| 8 | Sports on the TV | 35% |
| 9 | WiFi | 34% |
| 10 | Happy Hours | 32% |
What entertainment is important to Brits?
When it comes to entertainment, Brits have clear preferences for what makes a pub experience truly enjoyable. Topping the list, 42% of respondents say that quiz nights are a must-have, making it the most popular form of entertainment in UK pubs, with 43% of women considering this a must.
A close second is watching sports, favoured by 37% of Brits, with 48% of men naming this as the most popular bar entertainment to make a pub perfect.
Live music also holds significant appeal, with 34% of people considering it an essential part of a great pub atmosphere. Playing pool or darts comes in 4th, with 26% of people saying it is needed for a pub to have a good atmosphere.
The long-running pub tradition of fruit machines also ranked among must-have entertainment, with 11% wanting the chance to win some extra cash.
This data reveals that Brits love the option of entertainment to create the perfect pub experience in the UK.
| Rank | Must have entertainment | % of Brits who votes |
| 1 | Quiz Nights | 42% |
| 2 | Watching Sports | 37% |
| 3 | Live Music | 34% |
| 4 | Playing Pool or Darts | 26% |
| 5 | Bingo nights | 14% |
| 6 | Fruit Machines | 11% |
| 7 | Poker Nights | 6% |
Over half of UK Pubs still have Fruit Machines
In 2019 the auditing form CLMS found that taking from fruit machines in pub fell by an estimated £600 million in the decade – and average decrease of 25% so OLBG.com wanted to explore how often fruit machines are still being used in pubs across the UK.
Our survey revealed that 50% of Brits who visit pubs have played, or still play, fruit machines when they’re available. Additionally, 60% noted that these machines are still present in their local pubs.
The data also showed that 35% of pub-goers occasionally use fruit machines on a regular basis, while 23% consider it an enjoyable activity, though not the primary reason for their visit.
People surveyed said that their perfect pub was: “A pub where the floor is covered with red-coloured rugs, some bingo and fruit machines, leather sofas, and a couple of pool tables – and finally, I’d prefer the beer selection to be as varied as it gets.”
My Favourite pub looks traditional, it has a good selection of hand pulled bitters. It isn’t busy but isn’t quiet. It has really comfy seats to sit, and where you would be happy all night. In winter a real fire can be a huge draw too.
When it comes to entertainment many agree that: “An Ideal pub features a cozy interior with wooden furnishings, a well-stacked bar, and friendly atmosphere. It should include amenities like sports on tv, pool tables, bingo nights, fruit machines, live music etc.”
If you would like to see the full study, more information can be found on site: https://www.olbg.com/blogs/slots-or-shots
