This British pub renovation sim is a slice of life in the Midlands
Nothing Ever Happens Here is a British slice-of-life pub renovation simulator developed by solo indie developer Jack Somers (NoahsArkGames). Set in 2011 in Burntwood, a real town in southern Staffordshire, the game follows a personal narrative inspired by the developer’s own family—your character’s grandad is based on Somers’ real grandfather, who appears in the game attempting to cheer you up after you’ve purchased your first car.
The core gameplay centers on rebuilding The Bell End pub after your grandad loses his license to sell alcohol, requiring players to “rebuild the pub room by room.” This reconstruction serves as the main focus, but it’s complemented by life simulation elements. Drawing inspiration from My Summer Car, the game also has you restoring and getting your first vehicle on the road, then exploring Burntwood and spending time with friends. As an 18-year-old character, you’re navigating early adulthood in a 2011 English town setting.
The game captures a distinctly British sensibility—evidenced by the pub’s name and the humorous, grounded approach to storytelling. By grounding the experience in a real location and personal family memories, Nothing Ever Happens Here aims to deliver an intimate, character-driven narrative within the framework of a cozy simulation game. The title itself reflects a wry observation about small-town life, positioning the game as a meditative exploration of everyday moments rather than high-stakes action.