Is the pub still the hub?

Purpose – The aim of this study is to present an overview of the factors contributing to the difficulties faced by the public house (pub) sector when analysing the general decline in the number of pubs in the UK seen over recent years. Design/methodology/approach – Due to the nature of the study secondary rather than primary research methods were adopted, although further opportunities to undertake primary research are identified towards the end of the article. Findings – A review of contemporary literature and key industry data has been used to present findings that evaluate the role traditionally played by public houses within society; to examine the changing structure of the pub retailing sector; and to analyse a range of key internal and external factors that have and are contributing to the decline seen in certain elements of the sector, as evidenced in the number of business closures. Research limitations/implications – Use of both academic and industry‐focussed research articles present a timely and accurate picture of the true situation and general feeling within the sector while suggesting where future research may be undertaken. Practical implications – The paper offers a number of practical business improvement recommendations that could be taken forward by the sector. Originality/value – In acknowledging that each pub business is unique due to its form of ownership and the people employed within it, a strategy for survival is outlined for struggling businesses to adopt in order to not only survive in a very difficult trading environment, but also to re‐establish themselves as a central feature of the communities in which they are located.