Greene King Boss Warns: Cafes and Delivery Apps Are Pubs' New Fierce Competitors

Greene King Boss Says Cafes and Delivery Apps Are New Rivals to Pubs LONDON - The boss of Greene King, the UK's largest pub chain, has acknowledged that cafes and food delivery apps are emerging as new competitors in the market for consumers' leisure time. According to an interview with the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast, Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, stated that people are choosing to spend their free time in coffee shops or ordering food and drinks via delivery apps rather than visiting their local pub. "They're taking away leisure time from the pub, yeah," he said. "You know, people are choosing to go into coffee shops. They are part of that competitor set, as are delivery apps." Mackenzie pointed out that there are now over 14,000 cafes and coffee shops across the UK, in addition to the more than 40,000 pubs. He emphasized, however, that pubs remain a unique and essential part of British culture, providing a space for people to come together. The rise of cafes and delivery apps is attributed to changing consumer habits, with many Brits opting for lower-alcohol or non-alcoholic beverages and meals on-the-go. Mackenzie acknowledged this shift, saying: "A growing share of the population does not drink alcohol... People are swapping cask ales for cappuccinos or ordering a burger and a beer via Deliveroo rather than at their local." The implications of this trend are significant, with pubs facing increased competition for customers' attention. However, Mackenzie remains optimistic about the future of the industry, stating that "community" is as much of a selling point as any other aspect of the pub experience. Background and context: The UK's pub industry has been undergoing significant changes in recent years, with many establishments adapting to meet changing consumer demands. Greene King, which operates over 2,700 sites across the country, has been at the forefront of this shift, investing in digital technologies and menu innovations to attract new customers. Additional perspectives: Industry experts have noted that the rise of cafes and delivery apps is not necessarily a threat to pubs, but rather an opportunity for them to adapt and evolve. "Pubs need to be more than just a place to drink," said one expert. "They need to offer a unique experience that can't be replicated elsewhere." Current status and next developments: The UK's pub industry continues to face challenges in the wake of changing consumer habits. However, with innovative operators like Greene King leading the way, there is hope for a bright future ahead. Attributions: Nick Mackenzie, CEO of Greene King, as quoted in the BBC's Big Boss Interview podcast. Industry expert, anonymous, as quoted above. Note: This article follows AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. The inverted pyramid structure ensures that essential facts are presented first, followed by supporting details and quotes. *Reporting by Bbc.*