Good Pub Guide 2014 receives criticism for claims that "pubs stuck in 1980s" should close

The Good Pub Guide 2014 has attracted criticism from pub owners over claims by its editors that "pubs stuck into the 1980s" should go out of business.

Roger Protz, editor of the Camra Good Beer Guide, has condemned the Good Pub Guide for only supporting gastropubs with extensive menus and Michelin-level chefs, and ignoring people who simply go to pubs for a quick pint. Earlier today a CAMRA spokesperson described the comments as "bizarre".

Co-editor Fiona Stapely has dismissed the criticism, saying that the guide's main concern was about what pub-goers want, food or not.

Speaking to The Independent newspaper, she said: "We're talking here about the pubs where landlords simply don't care either about the pub or their customers. There are thousands of pubs like that and they do the industry no good whatsoever."

A spokesperson for the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) told Caterer and Hotelkeeper that the issue wasn't so much about the number of pubs closing but about making sure as many pubs as possible are enabled to stay profitable.

He said: "We don't think you can put a number on how many pubs there should be, or how many should close. We want to see as many thriving pubs as possible, and there are countless stories of struggling pubs being turned around. Our focus is on campaigning for reducing the burdens on brewing and pub businesses, so that they can better invest, improve their service, and thrive."

He added: "The climate that pubs are in is not so much about bad operators. It's a bit too easy to just say some pubs are bad. We need to look at what we can do to keep as many pubs open as possible, as they are so important to their local communities. There's room for everybody, it isn't just about gastropubs."

Pub numbers have long been in decline in the UK, with the BBPA estimating that the UK had fewer than 50,000 establishments in 2012, versus over 60,000 10 years ago.

The Good Pub Guide, released yesterday, named The Olive Branch in Rutland as its Pub of The Year, calling it "the ultimate pub experience".

Olive Branch is named UK Pub of the Year by The Good Pub Guide 2014 >>