Wales bucks UK pub closure trend with three new openings in first quarter
The Story
Industry data from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) shows 161 pubs closed across Britain in the first quarter of 2026, a 26% increase from the same period last year, resulting in approximately 2,400 job losses. Wales was the only part of the country to see net growth, with three new pubs opening during that period and at least three more following in April and May, including the Pig & Swill in Cardiff.
Key Facts
- A total of 161 pubs closed in the first quarter of 2026, equating to two closures per day, according to the BBPA.
- The closures were up 26% on the same period last year and led to the loss of approximately 2,400 jobs.
- Wales recorded three new pub openings in the first quarter, and at least three more – the Pig & Swill, Vicino (both in Cardiff), and The Nelson in Rhyl – have opened in April and May.
- The Pig & Swill’s co-founder, Lewis Dwyer, said business has been good since opening a few weekends ago: “We are really blown away by the positive reception.”
- Dwyer and partner Andy Aston already own Hiraeth, a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant in Cardiff; a Kickstarter campaign raised £29,000 for the Pig & Swill refit.
- David Chapman, executive director of UK Hospitality Cymru, said Wales’ hospitality industry is still struggling overall, with more restaurant and hotel closures than openings, and called for business rates reform and eased cost pressures.
Conflicting Reports
No conflicting reports identified in the source article.
Still Unclear
The specific reasons why Wales is bucking the national trend of pub closures remain unclear; a quote from Dwyer jokingly attributed it to Welsh people “lov[ing] the sesh.”
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Lewis Dwyer – co-founder of the Pig & Swill pub, Cardiff
- Andy Aston – business partner of Dwyer, co-owner of Hiraeth restaurant
- David Chapman – executive director of UK Hospitality Cymru
- Annie Harding – customer and Kickstarter contributor at the Pig & Swill
- Marcia Banner – customer at the Pig & Swill
Sources: The Guardian
