It’s a difficult time for pubs. In the nine months to December 2013, 28 pubs were closing every week, up from 18 in 2012. But research suggests there is a recipe for survival, with pubs that offer separate areas for different type of customers proving a success.

Brits are drinking less – a drop of 16% from 2004 to 2012 – and even 16- to 24-year-olds aren’t bingeing like they once did. Rather than boozing at the pub, they're pouring a perfect pint at home. But why have drinking habits changed? What does it mean for pubs and beer brands?

A new pub in south London, The Thirsty Bear, has been billed as the first "Facebook pub". Punters can pour their own pints from table-side taps, text for waiter service and use the iPads provided to order food or update their social network profile.

Around 1.9 billion devices are currently connected to the Internet of Things - estimated to to rise to 9 billion in 2018. It's even becoming abnormal for something to be disconnected from it. Spark wants to bring the Internet of Things within the reach of any device.