I recall, in 2000, visiting Marston's Brewery on a trip they thought would be the last. They had stopped the coach tour parties the year before as they appeared to be about to be taken over by Banks's Brewery. As it panned out the opposite happened and they took over Banks's. Whilst some Banks's beers continued, the main trading was, and still is, carried on under the Marston's banner. They offer a good meal for a reasonable cost, but there is little traditional drinking areas in the pubs. Going back to the visit, the premises and plant were very old and must have been relatively inefficient, so competing with modern breweries is very difficult. As in all walks of life, newer equipment and premises will overtake obsolete undertakings. Real Ales will survive, but only in the quantities required by those who still have a taste for tradition. According to reports, drinking alcohol in entertainment outlets is reducing .
