York residents asked to help map a century of change for the city's pubs

Pubs can serve as a microcosm of modern life, delivering in miniature a snapshot of society today.

Now with new surveys in York, academics hope to capture this reflection as the renowned social reformer Seebohm Rowntree once did.

The finding might uncover just how much has changed in 125 years, shining a light on how to help much loved pubs survive.

Dr Victoria Wells, from the University of York, is known as the ‘Professor of Pubs’ for her expertise in this area.

These were spaces once reserved largely for men, said the study co-author, although it was noted in 1901 just how many children were picking up alcohol for their parents.

“Rowntree’s landmark study wasn’t just about numbers; it was about how people lived their lives,” she said.

“There was lots in there about people fighting, and having arguments as well.

“What we are doing in York today is revisiting this, if you like. Are York’s pub users still singing, and dancing and drinking - and fighting - as they were 125 years ago?”

She added: “A lot has changed in that time. Even the size of York has increased massively. It’s become a much more professional, middle class city than it was in 1901.

“It really does tell us how society has changed. We can look at one area and see how pubs are changing too.”

It was 1901 when Rowntree, of the world-famous York chocolate dynasty, wrote Poverty: a study of town life which also contained a chapter on pubs.

Notably, it viewed the ‘British boozer’ as an indicator of the city’s social cohesion and economic health.

Now, the Cost of Living Research Group at the University of York is preparing an anniversary report to mark 125 years since its publication.

People living in York are asked to share their experiences to help map a century of change.

It comes after another study, published in Contemporary Social Science, examined people’s pub habits compared to the foraging of animals looking for food.

Most customers don’t seek out the ‘best’ pub, it found, but settle instead for the nearest ‘good enough’ option as convenience and travel play a big part.

Factors like seating, noise, and drink selection can all dictate how long someone stays, but customers are also remarkably loyal to pubs they like - even if its quality declines.

British pubs are facing an uncertain future, as costs rise and with changing consumer habits.

Just in the past year, previous findings from the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) show, 10 pubs have closed across Yorkshire alone.

Now from housing and wages to the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, the new study will examine how the struggles of 1901 mirror or differ from the pressures of 2026.

“Pubs are still really important, people are passionate about them,” said Prof Wells. “For pubs to survive, they really need to think carefully about who their customers are.

“Pubs have always been important community spaces,” she added. “Pubs are often the last, and especially in rural areas. We are running out of these community spaces.”

And study co-author Dr Nadine Waehning, from the university’s School for Business and Society, said their loss can be devastating to community cohesion.

“Our survey and research is important as it allows us to look beyond the pint glass and understand the pub’s true value as a social lifeline,” she said.

“By comparing our modern findings with Rowntree’s historical data, we can identify how the cost-of-living crisis is reshaping our social landscapes and ensure these vital community spaces aren’t just surviving, but actually serving the needs of the people who rely on them the most.”