At last year’s Peach 2020, I shared the boom we’re seeing in the experiential pub—venues offering games, cinemas, masterclasses and other activities beyond the bar. Below are eight examples of pub operators really pushing the envelope in terms of experience—worth a visit if you’re in the area to see how they are competing and winning:
1. 7 Saints, Prestwick
Bar and burger joint that understands the value of ‘Instagrammable’ décor and has its own YouTube channel to help build a buzz. 7saintsprestwick.co.uk
2. The Butcher’s Tap, Marlow
Tom Kerridge-run artisan-style venue, combining a craft beer pub with traditional butchery. thebutcherstap.co.uk
3. Famous Three Kings, Fulham
Stonegate Pub Company venue that has nailed TV sport—showing niche events and tapping into local sporting
communities without neglecting big football occasions. craft-pubs.co.uk/f3k-london
4. Four Thieves, Battersea
A huge variety of experiential activities including escape rooms, VR booths, retro arcade games and remote-controlled car racing—plus 350 gins and an in-house brewery. fourthieves.pub
5. King’s Head, Winchester
Pub and restaurant with a speakeasy-style gin bar and skittles alley in the basement. kingsheadhursley.co.uk
6. North Bar, Leeds
An early pioneer of the craft beer movement, with knowledgeable staff and rare beers. northbar.com
7. The Range, Manchester
Upmarket venue in Manchester’s Spinningfields that offers Virtual Reality access to major golf courses around the world, along with a stylish bar and restaurant. therange.uk.com
8. Shuffledog, Leeds
BrewDog bar offering three 22-feet shuffleboard tables as well as the brewery’s usual wide range of craft beers and 36 draft lines. brewdog.com/bars/uk/northstreetleeds
