Pubs in some of Wales's most remote and deprived areas are being offered a lifeline to diversify and become vital community hubs, with grants of up to £6,000 available. The initiative, led by the not-for-profit organisation Pub is The Hub, aims to combat loneliness, improve health and wellbeing, and help pubs become more resilient businesses by adding essential local services.
From Pints to Community Lifelines
Pub is The Hub, founded by HM King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales, provides independent advice and support to publicans looking to diversify. The organisation's regional advisor for Wales, Malcolm Harrison, emphasised the critical role pubs can play in isolated areas. He stated that adding a service like a village shop, a community café, or hosting activities such as craft workshops and theatre can be a powerful way to support local residents.
"As well as helping the pubs be more resilient businesses these services and activities can also help support local people in rural or deprived areas to overcome loneliness and social isolation," Harrison explained. The grants are specifically targeted at publicans in rural, remote, or deprived communities across the UK who want to launch additional services for their neighbourhoods.
Real-World Impact in Welsh Communities
The scheme is already demonstrating tangible success on the ground. In Nefyn, Gwynedd, the Tafarn yr Heliwr pub has created an outdoor events space to promote health, wellbeing, and skill-sharing. Further south, publican Rhiannon Metters of The Halfway in Tal-Y-Coed has opened a vital village store and a marquee events space with the organisation's guidance.
"We are situated in an isolated rural community with the pub being the hub of the area," Metters said. "With the nearest supermarket being 20 mins away the village store here is such a support to people." Her marquee now hosts local courses, including CPR training and craft workshops, which have successfully drawn new people into the pub, including women on their own, helping to forge connections and reduce isolation.
Measuring More Than Profit: The Social Value Dividend
The benefits of these projects extend far beyond the pub's bottom line. Pub is The Hub has calculated that for every £1 invested in a new community project through their scheme, an impressive £8.28 of social value is generated. This social value measures the broader benefits to society, encompassing social, economic, and environmental wellbeing brought to an area.
The future for such community-focused pub projects looks bright. Pub is The Hub has recently secured access to new Government funding, which will enable it to help and advise even more pubs across the country to diversify their offerings. This expansion promises to strengthen the social fabric of countless communities, proving that the local pub can be much more than just a place for a drink.
