Features

That figure has now increased to more than 50 a week. The West Midlands is said to be the worst affected region.

Rural pubs are suffering but research shows it's the urban areas where they are closing at the fastest rate.

The five worst political constituencies for pub closures in the Midlands between June 2005 and February 2009 are Dudley South (37 out of 141), Wolverhampton South East (23 out of 90), Walsall North (19 out of 98), Stoke Central (33 out of 170) and Dudley North (21 out of 111).

'The Bull' pub

Besides the recession, the smoking ban, high rents, tax on beer and changing social trends are being blamed for the demise of the pub.

Despite all the pessimism around the pub trade, there are some positive signs that not all is lost. Pubs run by independent brewers are managing to thrive.

Some pubs are being brought back to life by the communities which they serve. And those who've built up a reputation with a warm welcome, good food and reasonably priced beer are still as popular as ever.

Below are four reports looking at the varying fortunes of Britain's pub industry.