Blackpool has officially been named the easiest place in the UK to find a pint – outside of Greater London – according to new research by Local Digital.
The study analysed data from Bing Maps to uncover which local authorities boast the highest number of pubs per 1,000 hectares. Unsurprisingly, the seaside town of Blackpool came out on top, with 37.28 pubs per 1,000 hectares — that’s a massive 246% higher than the UK average of 10.77.
Blackpool Tops the Pint Index
With 130 pubs across the area, Blackpool’s legendary nightlife continues to thrive. Locals and visitors alike can head to hotspots like Ma Kelly’s and The Bridge for a true taste of the North West’s pub culture.
Following closely behind are Portsmouth and Liverpool, each boasting over 36 pubs per 1,000 hectares — making them some of the most pint-friendly cities in the country.
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Portsmouth takes second place with 37.15 pubs per 1,000 hectares, with The Dolphin — the city’s oldest pub — still pulling pints for locals and tourists alike.
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Liverpool ranks third at 36.48 pubs per 1,000 hectares, home to iconic venues such as The Globe, Ranelagh’s Tavern and The Midland — all within walking distance of Liverpool Central Station.
The Top 10 Easiest UK Places to Get a Pint (Outside London)
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Blackpool
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Portsmouth
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Liverpool
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Brighton and Hove
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Norwich
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Bristol
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Manchester
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Oxford
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Nottingham
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Southampton
These results highlight a strong correlation between England’s bustling coastal and university cities and pub accessibility — a reminder of just how deeply ingrained the British pub scene remains in local culture.
London Reigns Supreme
When London is included in the analysis, the capital completely dominates. The City of London itself has an astonishing 615.92 pubs per 1,000 hectares, more than 5,600% above the UK average. Many of its 178 pubs, like Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese and Old Doctor Butler’s Head, date back to the 17th century.
Other central boroughs such as Westminster and Islington also top the list, with The Red Lion and The Old Queen’s Head proving that London’s love affair with pubs is alive and well.
The Hardest Places to Find a Pint
At the opposite end of the pint spectrum, Na h-Eileanan Siar (Outer Hebrides) ranks as the hardest place to find a pint in the UK, with just 0.04 pubs per 1,000 hectares. Remote areas like the Shetland Islands, Highland, and Orkney Islands also make the list — a stark contrast to the pub-packed cities of England.
A Nation of Pub Lovers
Michael Costin, Founder of Local Digital, commented:
“With the 10 easiest places to get a pint based in Greater London, it’s clear that pub culture is thriving in England’s capital. But it’s also interesting to see that English cities dominate the top rankings overall, showing how vital pubs remain to urban communities.”
So whether you’re planning your next weekend getaway or just hunting for a good pint, Blackpool might be your best bet — with the numbers to prove it.
