New research shows over half of Londoners (55%) believe that having a ‘good local pub’ is a top priority when looking for a new home.

According to data commissioned by the Long Live the Local campaign, buyers and renters in London are factoring a local pub into their decision-making when choosing a place to live.

Overall, over a third (35%) prioritised having a ‘good local pub’ nearby – beating local schools (30%), places of worship (25%) and even the gym (27%).

These community hubs not only serve existing residents but also drive interest in local areas. Over two-thirds (69%) of Londoners view pubs as a staple of vibrant communities and 47% check out house prices in the area after visiting a good local.

When evaluating a new neighbourhood, prospective homeowners and renters reveal their top investigation tactics, with nearly half (47%) visiting the local pub to get a feel for the area’s atmosphere.

Scott Blenkhorn, publican at The Bridge House in Penge, said:

“Twenty years ago, I took a chance on this pub, and today it’s a neighbourhood gem. Estate agents now bring buyers through our doors, house prices have soared, and we’ve created something truly special. With a garden offering flat-dwellers a green retreat and a thriving fringe theatre upstairs drawing culture lovers from across London, The Bridge House is more than just a business—it’s the heart of a community. I’ve always believed every great neighbourhood deserves a great pub, and we’ve built exactly that: a place where locals truly thrive.”

Despite their importance, the industry continues to face mounting challenges with 500 pub closures across the UK in 2023, and another 500 expected in 2024.
With almost half of Londoners (48%) saying that local pubs help them feel less lonely and isolated, data shows that closures have negatively impacted the mental health of almost two-thirds of residents across the city (64%).