The Pub Show returned to Excel London from 30 March to 01 April as part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, bringing together the pub and bar sector for three days of business, insight and connection.

Across the show floor and packed seminar sessions, operators, suppliers and industry leaders came together to tackle the challenges shaping the sector while exploring the opportunities driving its future. From shifting consumer habits and drinks innovation to recruitment, regulation and sustainability, the event reflected a sector that continues to adapt, evolve and support one another.

John Blackley, Commercial Manager, The Pub Show, said: “It’s been fantastic to see such a strong turnout and so much energy across all three days of The Pub Show. What really stood out this year was the sense of community, from the conversations happening on the show floor to the packed sessions and the atmosphere at The Lock In. The pub sector has faced its share of challenges, but this event showed just how resilient, creative and passionate the industry is. It’s something we’re incredibly proud to be part of, and we’re already looking forward to building on this momentum for 2027.”

A highlight of the show was The Lock In networking event, where live music and a buzzing beer garden atmosphere brought together the who’s who of the pub and bar world. The event captured the spirit of the industry, combining business with the social connection that sits at the heart of pub culture.

A sector defined by resilience and relevance

Content sessions across the Future of Drinks Stage and The Drop Inn underscored the continued importance of pubs as social and cultural anchors.

In the session “What do Britain’s pubs need to survive and thrive?”, Emma McClarkin OBE (BBPA), Dom Jacobs (Ardent Pub Group) and Tim Skinner (Timothy Skinner Limited) explored the realities facing operators today. The discussion highlighted how pubs are increasingly valued as spaces for genuine human connection, offering an antidote to digital life while playing a vital role in communities across the UK.

Despite ongoing economic pressures, the session pointed to a shift in consumer behaviour, with customers choosing to buy less but better. Premiumisation and experience-led visits are creating opportunities for operators, particularly independents, to differentiate through quality, atmosphere and service.

At the same time, panellists emphasised the structural challenges facing the sector, from business rates and licensing complexity to rising costs and policy inconsistencies. A clear call emerged for greater collaboration and a stronger, unified voice to support long-term growth.

Drinks trends shaping the modern pub

Drinks innovation was a major theme throughout the show, with sessions and tastings highlighting how consumer preferences continue to evolve.

The rise of functional and no- and low-alcohol drinks drew significant attention. A dedicated session led by Club Soda explored the growing demand for beverages that support wellbeing goals such as relaxation, focus and sleep. With increasing consumer openness to these products, the category is moving rapidly from niche to mainstream, presenting new opportunities for pubs to diversify their offer.

Alongside this, tastings and panel discussions explored cocktail development, wine trends and the broader evolution of drinking habits. Sessions such as “Raising a glass to new drinking habits” and “Sipping smart: How weight loss drugs can change a night out” reflected the complex factors influencing how and why people drink today.

Supporting teams and strengthening the industry

People and skills were central to the programme, reflecting the importance of strong teams in delivering great pub experiences.

Sessions including “Empowering teams to create magic moments in pubs” and “Wellbeing at work and what REALLY makes a difference to employees” highlighted the need for investment in training, culture and flexible working. Discussions reinforced that recruitment and retention remain critical priorities, but also areas where the sector can innovate and improve.

The programme also addressed wider issues including diversity, safety and community responsibility, with sessions such as “How ‘Asking for Clive’ can make nightlife safer for everyone” demonstrating the industry’s commitment to creating inclusive and secure environments.

Innovation across the show floor

The exhibition floor showcased a wide range of suppliers spanning drinks, food, technology, services and equipment, reflecting the breadth of solutions available to today’s operators.

From established names to emerging brands, exhibitors demonstrated how innovation is helping pubs enhance their offer, improve efficiency and respond to changing customer expectations. The Taproom area and beer garden provided a lively setting for discovering new products, while features such as competitive socialising solutions, gaming technology and entertainment concepts highlighted new ways to drive footfall and engagement.

Sam Gaber from exhibitor Mixologiq commented: “We have had a fantastic show so far, demo’ing our automated cocktail machines. We have managed to sign up a distributor and have a lot of positive feedback from bar operators and owners. We’ll be back next year.”

The power of connection

Throughout the three days, The Pub Show reinforced the strength of the industry’s community. Whether through content sessions, networking events or informal conversations on the show floor, collaboration and shared experience were central themes.

Varvara Semenova, Solutions Architect at AWS Travel & Hospitality, said: “The Pub Show was a brilliant reminder of just how unique the UK pub industry is. It is not just a huge business sector, but a genuine community. There's a warmth and solidarity in that room that you don't find at many industry events.”

Visitors also highlighted the value of the event in supporting business growth and discovery. Julian Cook, Freehold Publican at The Wheatsheaf Maids Moreton, said: “We are new to the pub trade so found it immensely helpful being able to speak with multiple suppliers and see products we didn’t know existed. Will definitely be back next year.”

Danny Turner, National Account Manager at Bidfood, added: “We found the event great, it was brilliant to catch up with people in the industry and suppliers who we routinely deal with over email. We also found the panels very insightful. Overall there was a lot of variety on the day and plenty to take away from the event.”

The Lock In networking event in particular embodied this spirit, bringing the industry together in a relaxed, celebratory setting that reflected the very best of pub culture.

As part of Food, Drink & Hospitality Week, The Pub Show continues to play a vital role in uniting the sector, providing a platform for ideas, innovation and meaningful connection.

With ongoing challenges ahead but clear opportunities to embrace, the 2026 edition demonstrated that the UK pub sector remains as dynamic, relevant and resilient as ever.