Almost squarely in the heart of London, this beautiful two faced clock has not told the correct time for at least 5 months, though it is currently running.
Over the past decade, UK pubs and public clocks have both faced significant challenges due to economic pressures, changing habits, and austerity measures.
Pubs are struggling with rising operational costs and shifts in consumer behaviour, where more people are opting for home entertainment over socialising out.
Health trends and the 2007 smoking ban have also contributed to fewer patrons. The pandemic further hit pubs hard, with lockdowns forcing many to close temporarily or permanently. Similarly, public clocks have suffered from a lack of funding and maintenance, largely because of privatisation and austerity measures, leading to a loss of these historical timepieces in public spaces.
Despite these challenges, there’s hope for pubs that adapt by offering diverse experiences and for public clocks if funding can be secured to preserve them.
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