What’s happening to Fleetwood’s pubs?

Fleetwood has always had a thriving pub scene - in fact, there’s an old joke which has a visitor asking directions, first from a priest, who directs him via all the local churches, and secondly from a drunkard, who directs him via all the local pubs.

The town’s pub scene has indeed been vibrant for many years, with a lot of the watering holes harking back to our fishing heyday. Fleetwood’s diverse choice of pubs has survived through several generations, so why are we suddenly seeing them disappear at an alarming rate?

The last twelve months has seen the closure - temporary or otherwise - of The Strawberry Gardens, Cofflers and The King’s Arms, with more favourites on the line for closure in the near future. Recent years have also seen the loss of The Broadway, The Cutty Sark and The Jolly Roger (Jollies).
According to Charles Vickers, Pub and Landlord correspondent, there has been a significant change in pub clientele in recent years. “People want different things from pubs these days,” says Vickers, “there is far less demand for the old traditional ‘drinkers’ pub; customers these days demand good food at a reasonable price, together with an acceptable family area. Establishments providing this service are definitely winning out over the stick-in-the-muds.”
This change in consumer habits has also been compounded by the smoking ban, according to the BBC website. This was predicted by Licensed Victuallers Wales, who report that initial data shows the Welsh ban “could lead to the closure of more than a quarter of pubs in Wales.” This seems to have hit the traditional Fleetwood pub particularly hard.
But it may not be all bad news. Brewery group Diageo, which has seen its pub trade decline 8% as the off licence trade has improved 3% - was also cautiously optimistic. “The jury is out,” said spokeswoman Jean Doyle. “The feeling is that in the short term there could be an impact, but it remains to be seen.
“Pubs may actually become more attractive because of the ban, research has shown certain people are put off by smoking - the atmosphere, the smell on their clothes.”
Whether this will be in time to rescue some struggling Fleetwood favourites remain to be seen.