The great British pub will be the unofficial centrepiece of the King’s Coronation this year, with millions of people set to descend on their local, to mark the beginning of the Carolean era.

With 75% of patriotic pubgoers saying they’ll celebrate in the pub, 70% of those not so keen on the pomp and circumstance, still plan on visiting their local. This could mean record numbers of nearly 50 million people enjoying the festivities at the pub.

Not surprisingly London’s pubs will be the busiest, with one in five Brits planning on visiting the Capital at some point during the weekend, although one third of Brits plan on staying local – a welcome boost for economies across the UK.

The research has been carried out by Star Pubs & Bars, the pub business of HEINEKEN. The third largest pub company in the UK has 2,400 pubs and is gearing up for record numbers.

Pete Marshall, landlord of The King’s Arms, Bexleyheath says: “We will be celebrating the Coronation with the nation locally and having a lot of fun along the way. Over the four-day weekend, there will be plenty of music, barbecues, different activities for families and adults, and a sprinkling of national pride.”

HEINEKEN predicts 36.1 million pints of beer will be enjoyed over the Bank Holiday weekend with one in two pubgoers saying that will be their choice. Wine is a close second, around a third of people say they’ll be sipping on cider, and one fifth will be opting for an alcohol-free option.

Lawson Mountstevens, MD, says: “May is going to be a bumper month for pubs with three bank holidays and a Coronation to boot. It’s going to be a right Royal knees up across the country, and our licensees are already planning some incredible activities. From beer festivals to street parties, the pub is going to be the centrepiece of communities with people celebrating with family, friends and neighbours.”

The extended opening hours announced recently have been welcomed by pubs across the country. Pete Marshall adds: “This is a once in a generation event and we want it to be an event that the community never forgets.”