Pubs to be at the heart of Coronation celebrations

With just under two weeks to go until the Coronation of King Charles III pubs and breweries across the breadth of the UK are preparing to mark the historic occasion.

As businesses at the heart of neighbourhoods and communities, pubs and breweries are set to host special events, brew limited edition beers and make the most of extended opening hours across the Bank Holiday weekend.

With a £120million boost for pubs predicted, and 62million pints, (17million more than usual), expected to be poured across the weekend, the pub is sure to be the place to celebrate the coronation, with beer undoubtedly best placed as Britons’ drink of choice to raise a toast to the new King.

Historic British brewers are set to mark the occasion with special Coronation ales, with some even donating casks to celebratory street parties as well. Meanwhile, in pubs from Cornwall to Cumbria publicans are planning celebrations with everything from viewing parties, afternoon teas and BBQs to right royal drag performances.

In addition, to mark the momentous occasion, Greene King’s new Serving King and Country report reflects on the role pubs have continuously played in their communities since the last coronation 70 years ago; it notes how 4 out of 5 members of the British public think pubs are important to local communities.

Ben Rosson who runs The Golden Cock said:
“We have so much going on over the Coronation weekend, it’s the first time we’ve hosted an afternoon tea, it would be great to see a range of people getting involved and hopefully getting new customers into the pub too.

“We have a raffle draw on the Sunday, a street party and live music. It’s always good for everyone to be able to get out no and enjoy themselves, especially after Covid, the Coronation is a great chance for people to get out and celebrate and what better place to do so than the pub!”

Beth Robinson who runs The Beeswing said:
“I think it’s great in villages like where I am for pubs to put a variety of events and activities on over the Coronation weekend and be the driving force in their communities to bring people out but most importantly bring people together.

“I have tried to do a real mix of events for all ages so that at least one event appeals to everyone! I want people to look back and be able to say ohhhh I remember the Coronation I was at this great pub called The Beeswing!”

Ryan Jones who runs The Coronation said:
“We’re really looking forward to the Coronation weekend, with a pub like this, how could we not be?

“We have so much planned for all to enjoy including an 80’s themed fancy dress and disco, a bouncy castle and face painting for the children as well as a BBQ and afternoon tea to enjoy during the live event – we’ve even got a life-size King Charles to take selfies with. We want to make this as fun as possible and to appeal to old and new customers.”

Emma McClarkin, Chief Executive of the British Beer and Pub Association said:
“Our brewers and pubs are looking forward to the King’s Coronation being a time for communities across the country to join in celebration – and what better place to do that than at your local.

“British brewers and pubs are preparing to mark this momentous occasion by hosting special events, brewing limited edition beers and taking advantage of extended opening hours across the long weekend.

“There are few things about public life that stand the test of time from one generation to the next, and the welcoming of a new monarch is undoubtedly a time to reflect on this and note how our much-loved pubs remain at the heart of their communities, just as they have done for centuries. In a critically difficult time for our industry, we hope people will mark this historic national celebration by visiting their local, one iconic British institution supporting another.”