National Pub Day 2026: Reflecting on the role of pubs and reopening trends in the UK

National Pub Day, created by The Telegraph, took place on Saturday 16^th May and is a great opportunity to highlight the vital part that pubs play in our communities.

Often the beating heart of villages, towns and high streets, pubs provide a much-valued place to meet with friends, enjoy food and drink, socialise and relax.

So far in 2026, more than 90% of the pubs we have sold were for continued use as a pub, demonstrating that, despite the significant cost and economic pressures facing publicans, there is still a desire to own pubs and a strong demand among buyers for new opportunities to own and run hospitality venues.

We have also completed on the sale of several closed pubs to new owners who plan to reopen and reinvigorate the sites into a thriving hospitality venues once again.

Here are a few recent examples:

The Hylton Castle Arms, Sunderland

Situated on the corner of Cranleigh Road and Canterbury Road in the North Hylton area of Sunderland, The Hylton Castle Arms first opened in 1959. It was purchased by its current owner in 2024 who, following the acquisition, undertook a programme of refurbishment works to modernise the premises while retaining its character as a traditional community pub ahead of appointing a new tenant.

The pub has now been let to a new operator who is expected to relaunch the venue as a bar and restaurant, bringing the building back into active use following its closure in 2023.

Find out more here.

Moelwyn Restaurant, Criccieth

Occupying a prominent seafront position on Mona Terrace in Criccieth, just 600 metres from Criccieth Castle, the venue includes a bar and dining areas, as well as six letting rooms.

Having been owned by the same family for over fifty years, the restaurant has now changed hands and been acquired by a new operator with plans to bring the venue back into use. They have already commenced work on the building and intend to relaunch it as a restaurant with rooms.

Find out more here.

The Lion Art Hotel, Berriew

Created by renowned sculptor Andrew Logan and Michael Davis in 2018, The Lion Art Hotel & Restaurant is a unique 17th century boutique hotel with seven en suite bedrooms and three dining rooms, nestled in the charming village of Berriew, Montgomeryshire.

After eight years, Andrew and Michael decided to step back from running the business and hand over the reins to Roshan and Srishankar, who have over a decade of hospitality experience in London and said, “We are extremely excited to bring this beautiful hotel back to life. It will become a true destination - a restaurant and hotel where everyone can experience warm hospitality and a menu showcasing the very best flavours Wales has to offer.”

Find out more here.

The White Swan, West Sussex

The well-known Grade II listed pub in Bosham occupies a prominent position on the A259 between Chichester and Emsworth.

The pub was sold on behalf of outgoing private owners to local businessman Peter Terry, of Emsworth Heating Limited, who plans to refurbish and reopen.

Find out more here.

The Royal Oak, East Sussex

We advised on the sale of The Royal Oak, near Battle, a well-known landmark on the busy A21.

Having been closed for 18 months, the Grade II-listed pub was sold to a local multi-operator and is set to re-open by June. The new owners plan to introduce The Oak & Olive restaurant, blending English pub culture with Italian heritage.

In some cases, we acknowledge that some pubs have genuinely reached the end of their economic life in the sector and are no longer viable. In these instances, we can achieve great results for clients, often ensuring the property remains an asset to the local community in another way, for example conversion to a local convenience store or children's day nursery. For advice on buying or selling a pub in your area, our nationwide team are here to help.

For more information about the pub market or for a confidential discussion about buying or selling, contact David Cash at David.Cash@christie.com or +44 7736 621 023.