Pubs outrank the gym for Gen Z wellbeing, new poll shows

A night at the pub has a bigger positive impact on young people’s wellbeing than a session at the gym, according to new polling commissioned by the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA).

The YouGov survey of more than 2,000 adults found that 52% of 18–24-year-olds say socialising with friends or colleagues at the pub boosts their wellbeing. That compares with 41% who say the same about solo exercise and 38% about self‑care activities.

Among 25–34‑year‑olds, 49% also ranked pub socialising above the gym (44%) and self‑care (43%).

The findings come as the Office for National Statistics recently identified Gen Z as the UK’s loneliest age group, with more than a quarter of 16–29‑year‑olds reporting frequent loneliness. The BBPA says the data highlights the role pubs play in offering connection and community, particularly for younger adults.

The poll also shows that 34% of 18–24‑year‑old pub‑goers visit specifically for activities such as quizzes, live music and sport—far higher than the national average of 22%. Nearly half (44%) say they have met new people at the pub.

With 51% of young pub‑goers planning a visit over the Easter period, the BBPA argues that pubs remain a central part of how young people choose to spend their time.

BBPA chief executive Emma McClarkin said the findings show that pubs provide “social infrastructure that is impossible to replicate”, but warned that closures continue to threaten these community spaces. More than 2,000 pubs have shut since 2020, driven by rising energy costs, high taxes and regulatory pressures.

The association is urging the Government to deliver permanent business rates reform and cut beer duty to help keep pubs open. Its Long Live the Local campaign, backed by more than 250,000 supporters, calls for action to protect pubs and the wider brewing sector.

Publicans echoed the findings, saying they see first-hand how younger customers rely on pubs for connection and community. They described pubs as shared, judgement‑free spaces that offer something “you genuinely can’t put a price on”.

The BBPA says meaningful tax reform is essential to ensure pubs remain at the heart of communities for generations to come.