Laura Russell


PUB popularity is falling due to increasingly poor service, according to reports by the BBC.
In fact, bad service is causing more than 39 pubs a week to close in the tough economic climate due to lack of customer loyalty. 


The Good Pub Guide 2011 published an article exploring the main reasons for people refusing to revisit pubs, and highlighted their findings with a 'blacklist' of drinking establishments that had not received praise from punters.
Among the reasons was poor attitude from bar staff, such as unwelcoming landlords and a lack of interest in customers. Other complaints included lack of choice concerning food and drink, slow service, grubby surroundings and dogs roaming free in gastro-pubs.
Although the recession has not helped the situation, it is not entirely to blame. 
"Pubs need to diversify to satisfy customers," said pub landlord Mark Burford. "The larger pub chains do not focus on customer service, and they lose repeat business by that. In the tough economic climate, it's important to hold onto your regulars."