Data from managed network solutions firm EvolveODM and Robinsons shows a rise in over-60s and millennials visiting pubs — and that Thursday has become the new Friday.
EvolveODM specialises in providing end-to-end IT and managed network solutions, while Robinsons is the Noth West brewer with an estate of 260 pubs.
Key findings from the companies’ research were that:
- The weekend is starting earlier; and
- The number of over-60s visiting pubs is on the rise.
Sunday was the busiest day for pubs in 2019, but Fridays are now neck and neck with Sundays as each day accounted for 19% of wifi connections in 2022. Thursdays are now the new Friday, with connectivity on Thursdays in 2022 the same as Fridays in 2019.
Meanwhile, last year saw a 45% increase in the number of over-60s heading to the pub, compared to 2019’s pre-pandemic levels. While all other age groups have not significantly changed their wifi habits since 2019, the 26-to-35-year-old age group (which includes most millennials) also saw a 43% increase in 2022.
Jon Shaw, director and founder at EvolveODM, said: “We’re proud to support Robinsons Brewery and pubs with our guest wifi solution, which we were first to market with back in 2005 and have been enhancing ever since.
“The pub has long been at the heart of our communities and an important part of our cultural identity. We are delighted that, by providing fast, secure and convenient guest Wi-Fi, we can be part of the British pub’s incredible revival.”
David Bremner, director of marketing at Robinsons, added: “It’s clear that people are enjoying their free time earlier, with more customers visiting pubs from Thursday onwards. I couldn’t think of a better way to while away the hours.
“Guest wifi is no longer a simple value add, we now see it as a basic service we offer, but it’s providing us with valuable insights, too.”
