Last Orders
Drinks photographer Ned Gibbs turns his lens toward the fading heart of England’s pub culture. Documenting pubs in quiet decline, the series captures the atmosphere, nostalgia and human traces left behind in these communal spaces. Both elegy and celebration, the work reflects Gibbs’ enduring fascination with the rituals, stories and connections formed around drinking culture.
Photography Ned Gibbs
'Last Orders' is a series of images captured over the past two years, documenting the decline of pub culture in England and the struggles these establishments face. The work is both a celebration and a lament: a tribute to the worn leather seats indelibly marked by the imprint of a thousand bums.
Today, these spaces are quiet. Increased taxation, soaring running costs and changes in drinking habits all contribute to the slow erosion of pub culture. For many, pubs are more than just places to drink. They’re lifelines, offering refuge, belonging, and human connection.
'Last Orders' seeks to remind us of what’s at stake. It’s a call to honour these spaces, to preserve their stories, and most importantly, to return to them.
“Over the last two years, I have been photographing these beautiful spaces and their emptiness. It has been an impactful endeavour and one that has made me reflect on the life and tales these establishments hold.”
“The pub as an institution is a cornerstone of community life, but with the ability to communicate globally, we've forgotten about the local.”
About Ned
Drinks photographer Ned Gibbs works across the UK and internationally, shooting commercial and editorial stills and motion. With over 15 years under his belt, his work is rooted in storytelling and atmosphere, placing equal importance on technical precision and emotional authenticity. Known for creating imagery that feels tactile, believable and deeply human, he is concerned less with the drink itself and more with the experience of drinking it: The traces left behind, the rituals, the nostalgia and the cultures that form around it.
Alongside his commercial work, Ned maintains an ongoing personal practice exploring the relationship between drinks, culture and community. His imagery is driven by a fascination with how drinks shape our lives and the emotional resonance of everyday moments, often focusing on the imperfect details that make an image feel lived-in and real. In 2021, he was selected as a finalist in the Hasselblad Masters, with recent work also shortlisted in the World Food Photography Awards 2026.
His client list includes brands such as Waitrose, Peroni, Monkey Shoulder, Fortnum & Mason, Jo Malone and Plenish.
To see more of his work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram
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