IN common with the rest of the leisure industry, there's no doubt that the pub sector has had another tough 12 months, with sites continuing to close on a weekly basis, albeit at a reduced rate from two years ago when it was estimated that more than 50 pubs a week were closing across the UK.

That said, when one door closes, another door can open.

While many of the national pubcos have sold some of their under-performing tenanted houses, there has been an opportunity for smaller more focused businesses to pick up properties, that with a bit of love and attention, can be turned around.

Local operator Wear Inns was one brand to capitalise on these opportunities.

It has built up a portfolio of 15 outlets in predominantly suburban locations.

In addition, the Apartment Group has opened two new outlets in rural High Newton and suburban Sunderland – both distinctly different locations and styles from the urban, late-night outlets it is known for.

The return of ‘the local’ has not passed the big players by however, with JD Wetherspoon identifying suburban locations as its next expansion target.

A move that has perhaps been cemented by the Government’s Localism Act which reiterated the belief in ‘community pubs’ with the ‘Right to Buy’ scheme that came into force in 2011.

What is clear however is that the days of the dingy local boozer, populated by four men and a whippet, are long gone.

The new ‘local’ is bright, welcoming and most definitely family and female friendly.

This again has emphasised the need for operators to adapt to meet the changing needs of the public in order to survive.