There are four pubs in the small town I live in.

One stocks real ales, is a bit of an old fogies' pub, but has a good reputation for food and is doing quite well.

The second is part of a fairly busy small tourist hotel, does not really do real ales, is civilised and safe, hosts the local weekly folk club and is also doing quite well.

The third (the one I use) stocks two regular real ales has a further three on a changing "Guest Ale" basis, put on a recent well-attended real ale festival with music each day, is well-run by a friendly manager, does no hot foot, welcomes live music (I organise a weekly session there) and, as far as I can see, is getting an increasing trade.

The fourth always seems to have catered for NEDs and ASBOs, does no decent beer, is very scruffy and run down and the area outside it seems to be the regular hosting venue for "disputes" and is well known to the local constabulary. This pub is currently "To Let" and has been so for some time with no apparent takers.

These are all in Scotland which has been no-smoking for a couple of years now.

Perhaps these examples can cast light on what seems to work and what doesn't. The good will usually thrive and those that do not offer something that is want will often fall by the wayside.

Zen