'We've ditched nightlife for families' - the landlady bucking the UK's pub-closure trend

The number of pubs in Wales has grown so far this year - bucking the trend of UK-wide closures over the past few years.

It is a "much-needed ray of light" for the beleaguered industry, according to the British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA).

While only modest, the number in Wales is up by three since January, while Scotland has lost 41, and the south-east of England has lost 26 in the same period.

A senior lecturer in economics at Bangor University said we are seeing a "major shift" in what pubs are to customers, and they will need to adapt to survive.

For the Instagram generation, some young people suggested the "aesthetics" of a pub are more important than drinks offered, for posting photos online.

"The night time trade is dying, but it [still] makes a lot of money. There are a lot of spirit drinkers," said landlady Abbie Nelson.

"In the day, a lot of customers are pint drinkers, so the revenue is completely different."

While she realised it was a difficult time to start in the industry, she was up for the challenge, and opened the doors of The Nelson in May.

A previous pub on the site in Rhyl, Denbighshire, had focused on night-time trade.

But Abbie, 30, said she recognised the way the industry was going, with many people turning their backs on clubbing and late-night revelry.

Her venue has a family-friendly focus, and she added: "Now we do barbecues, free food, we have entertainment on," she said.

"You find that a lot of places that used to be a nightclub, and now they've turned into a day venue as well."

While drinking and social habits change, the Covid pandemic provided another body blow to the industry - with it estimated 87 million pints were thrown away during lockdowns in 2021.

Iconic Welsh brewer Brains offloaded most of it 250 pubs as it dealt with tens of millions of pounds of debt, and a pandemic which shut down the bulk of the business overnight.

Soaring energy costs have also hammered the industry, while business rates and other pressures have seen some pubs struggle to afford to pay staff.

This all comes at a time when a cost of living crisis has left many people with less money to spend on leisure activities such as the pub.

There were 30 closures in Wales in 2025, and 18 in 2024.

The BBPA said the closures across Wales, England and Scotland this year equated to more than 2,400 job losses – half of which are younger people's livelihoods.

While it welcomed the increase in Wales in 2026, it said a long-term plan is needed to save pubs.

"Wales is so rich when it comes to produce, and so shining a light on this will always be a core part of our philosophy," said Luke Shelby.

The chef partner relaunched the 300-year-old Bryntirion Inn, in Bala, Gwynedd, last year with an updated menu and refurbished dining room.

Located in the heart of the Eryri, or Snowdonia national park, he thought an obvious focus to attract custom was the stunning environment.

They prioritised sourcing ingredients from local farmer and growing produce where they can.

"At the same time, it was essential that we preserved the character, atmosphere and soul of the inn," he added.

For Katie Thomas, 28, from Cardiff, the aesthetics are very important, as she feels many traditional pubs feel like "they are all the same."

"I think if people are going out and wanting to post it online, they will go somewhere more aesthetically pleasing," she added.

Katie has noticed fewer of her friends are drinking compared to when they were younger, and she prefers a "bottomless brunch environment" to a pub.

Katy Greatrex, also 28, goes out quite a lot - but focuses on bars in the Pontcanna area, rather than the city centre.

She believes people now choose pubs based on atmosphere and setting rather than where they can get the cheapest drinks.

"You do pick your location on 'is it trendy?', and what kind of people go there," she added.

"You do have to pick your place wisely."

Finn McGeachan, 21, is studying to be a chiropractor at the University of South Wales in Cardiff.

While he goes out a lot, cost means he has to be selective.

"That is the biggest barrier for students at the minute," he said.

"A big night out is going to cost you upwards of £50."

Dr Edward Thomas Jones, from Bangor University, said pubs in Wales are facing "challenges" such as national insurance hikes, wage increases and energy costs.

But he added there are certain parts of Wales where pubs are thriving due to local community involvement.

"They are showing a way forward by offering far more than just the traditional selling of alcohol," he said.

"We're fortunate here in Wales that the community-owned pub is quite popular."

Jones said people are more willing to got the pub to take part in different events now rather than just to drink.

"We do have a romantic view of the pub, but they are a business at the end of the day," he added.

"They have to think, do they want to adapt or just continue struggling as they are?"

Brewing in Wales has a "rich history dating back hundreds of years" and is a "treasured sector" that must be protected, according to the BBPA's Emma McClarkin.

"This means more people in jobs, precious community spaces protected, vibrant high streets, and more investment and growth," she added.

The Welsh government said it wanted to reform business rates to "level the playing fields" on the high street.

"In the first 100 days of government, we will establish a Town Centre taskforce that will get to grips with the challenges faced by businesses across sectors, particularly in hospitality and retail," a spokesperson said.