But what actually makes for the perfect pub? Helen Lees, managing director of MyPubGroup.ltd, gives her lowdown on what today’s perfect boozer looks like:

“At the heart of any great pub is a professional landlord/lady. Always around or behind the bar, this food and drink expert has to be ready to tell a joke with a regular or recommend a fine wine to a new customer. They are founts of knowledge and real people pleasers, but who knows how to mix a fine cocktail when needed!

“Serving food is essential if pubs want to thrive in such a competitive marketplace, however, food can only go so far. Without drinkers and regulars, a building can quickly become lifeless and develop a poor reputation, so any pub needs stools at the bar and a number of undressed tables, where people can drop-in and eat or drink. Otherwise, it just isn’t a pub.

“Where we can, we advise our new licensees to create a pub where they would want to spend time and then create a pub business that blends their own individuality with that of what their customers would expect. In a world where we are dominated by chains of restaurants, running a unique pub will often always be a welcome change for so many people who want to break away from what’s on every high street.

“People make pubs great, and so recruiting staff that share the vision of the landlord/lady or licensee is critical. If a team isn’t on the same page in terms of service, quality, high standards and general pub etiquette, customers will be very quick to complain (and tell the world about it via social media).

“The smile, the personal touch, going that extra mile to make someone feel welcome and of course the quality of food and drink on offer are all essential ingredients in getting a pub business right.”