Wet-led pubs hold a "special place in British culture" despite decline

The BII's licensees of the year were Diane and Keith Marsden​, who run wet-led pub the Prince of Wales.

Tim Hulme, BII chief executive, said: "They beat tough competition from across the sector to win the award, including numerous sites with a focus on food. Their turnover and profit continues to increase, as is the case for many of our members who run community pubs that only serve drinks.

“While it is fantastic to see many operators achieving success through food sales, we do not believe it is the end of the wet-led pub – there are few things more British than a pint enjoyed in a pub with friends, and there will always be a place for this in our society. Food presents a real opportunity for landlords looking to generate an additional revenue stream, but brings with it cost implications, such as labour, equipment and supplies.

“Whether you have chosen to be wet or dry led is not the be all and end all when it comes to your pub’s success; it’s more about providing the complete package for customers, including excellent customer service, a slick operation that communicates its offering well, and consistently delivering high standard levels. We want our members to feel proud of their pub and are always happy to support those looking to develop these aspects further, ensuring they stand out from the competition.”