On the whole the pub chains, or breweries as they were once known, have themselves to blame. The pursuit of bigger profits through increased rents & leases and drinks prices have led to them being a luxury item. This started back in the mid nineties at the latest.

I remember small pubs being bought out, closed for a million pound refurbishment, reopened with a fanfare and new prices to match putting off customers. The supermarkets saw this and took advantage.