Cheers to That! The UK’s pub hotspots revealed ahead of National Beer Day

In celebration of National Beer Day, Best New Bingo Sites has uncovered where in the UK pub culture is still going strong, and where it’s at risk of drying up.

Using the latest government data, the analysis ranks over 300 local areas by the number of pubs per 100,000 people, revealing the places where a pint is never far away, and where competition for a seat at the bar might be fierce. Where The Pubs Pour In: England & Wales’ Top 10 For Pub Density

Great Yarmouth tops the list as the most pub-dense location in England and Wales, boasting 242 pubs per 100,000 residents. The City of Westminster takes second place with 166 pubs per 100,000, followed by Whitehaven in Cumbria with 143.

Other high-ranking spots include Ripley in Amber Valley (137), Failsworth (135), and Brierley Hill (133), all offering pub-goers plenty of options within walking distance. Welsh towns Aberdare and Llanelli also make the top 10, alongside Ashton-under-Lyne and Stamford.

“The data highlights how smaller towns, not just major cities, are keeping pub culture alive,” said Sue Dawson, Operations Director at Best New Bingo Sites. 

“Great Yarmouth’s top spot shows just how strong the local scene can be in coastal communities.” At the other end of the scale, Harrow ranks as the area with the fewest pubs per person, with just 9 pubs per 100,000 residents. Barking and Dagenham (11) and Brent (13) follow closely behind, rounding out the bottom three. Other low-density areas include Redbridge (14), Barnet (15) and Basildon (15).

Raise a Search, Not Just a Glass: Where ‘Pubs Near Me’ Trends Peak in England: 

Greater London tops the list with over 1 million monthly searches for “pubs near me” - the equivalent of 1,128 searches per 10,000 residents. Dorset follows with 872 searches per 10,000, closely trailed by Bristol (839) and East Sussex (729).

Other counties showing high demand include Somerset (702), Cumbria (662), and Oxfordshire (549), all with strong search volumes despite more rural landscapes.

“These figures suggest that interest in finding a good pub isn’t just a big city trend,” said Sue Dawson, Operations Director at Best New Bingo Sites. “People across the country are actively seeking out places to socialise, showing the ongoing importance of local pubs.”

Further Insights: A Nation Losing Its Local?

While search data suggests Brits are still actively looking for places to enjoy a pint, long-term trends paint a sobering picture of the UK’s pub culture.

• The number of pubs across the UK has dropped by 25.99% since 2000, down from 60,800 to just 45,000 in 2024. Today, there are roughly 65 pubs for every 100,000 people. 
• Meanwhile, the average cost of a draught pint has risen by 152.78%, climbing from £1.80 in 2000 to £4.55 in 2024.

“These stats show the stark contrast between demand and availability,” said Sue Dawson, Operations Director at Best New Bingo Sites. 

“Pubs are more than just places to grab a pint, they’re part of the social fabric of the UK. From quiet corners to lively locals, they’ve always offered a space to unwind, connect and feel part of something. Even as numbers decline, the appetite for that kind of community is still strong, whether it’s found down the road or through the screen.”