Socially it ain't the same right now. It's ok if a group of 6 or something go together but even then, you're still only really nattering with the folk you know.
Part of the draw of a pub (for me, and I mean a proper pub not a place you go to eat and have drinks with) is being able to have a bit of a chat with anyone and maybe end up even buying one another a pint if there's some common ground.
Yes admittedly, some of you wouldn't want to get lumbered with me but if nothing else, there's personality amongst the common man/woman. At present the current set up is stripping that away. Ffs just give me a live gig, some real ale and few like minded people. Maybe a coy bereft barmaid that doesn't mind "massaging" your neck when she brings your pint over and a bit of brief conversation between sips of pint and the next song.
I don't care if the floor is like velcro, as long as they keep a good pint I'm no pub snob.
I think your stretching things Kev if you're expectating a massage from the barmaid unless of course you pay a little extra in a different type of establishment 😀