Mar 20, 2026 10:31:35 AM
Husband-and-wife team reinvent what it means to run a pub: The Red Lion, Moore
British pubs are under intense pressure. Rising energy costs, declining weekday trade and changing drinking habits are reshaping the industry. In 2025 alone, around one pub per day closed permanently in England and Wales, pushing the total number of pubs below 39,000 for the first time in modern records.
To put this into perspective, the UK had around 65,000 pubs in the 1990s.
Those that survive are increasingly doing so by adapting to the times. One example is the husband-and-wife team Becky and Andy, who took over The Red Lion, a traditional pub in the village of Moore just outside Warrington. Since taking the helm, they have been reinvigorating the venue as a vibrant community hub.
Rather than relying purely on food and drink sales - which is becoming increasingly difficult for many UK pubs - they introduced outdoor pizza ovens and large Nordic-style tipi structures in the garden. The transformation has turned the pub garden into a dedicated space for weddings, parties, music events and pizza nights. Instead of expanding the building itself, the venue reimagined the landscape around it, turning an underused outdoor area into a unique destination for the local community.
Becky at the Red Lion said "We have always known that the heart of any pub is its patrons. With lifestyles, affordability and social habits changing, we're really excited to be able to offer people alternative nights out and unique events which can enable people to come to the pub and enjoy themselves for many years to come."
This approach reflects a growing trend across hospitality in rural Britain, where pubs, estates and hospitality venues are recognising the potential of their outdoor spaces. With the addition of a durable multi-use canvas structure, fields, gardens and lawns can evolve into venues that generate entirely new revenue streams while enhancing the character of the setting.
Topics from this blog: Beyond The Poles
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