History of Pub is the Hub
The Pub is the Hub was set up in 2001 through the Rural Action Programme of Business in the Community. It encourages breweries, pub owners, licensees and local communities to work together to help retain and enhance rural services in isolated rural areas.
The pub has traditionally provided a centre/heart to the hamlet or village and the pub is the hub scheme aims to work with pubs and local communities to find ways in which the pub can increase it’s social and community role. This scheme has had considerable successes; examples of which are detailed on this web site.
Some of the additional facilities that might be considered are listed below. This is not an exhaustive list and depends on the space available, the location of the pub and the needs of the local community. Details of contacts that can help with these ideas are contained in our links section on this site. Most of these ideas only need underused space, willing and capable staff (who may already be employed by the pub), and effort by the local community and licensees. Good luck!
- Better provision of food and drink - This is the core skill of the licensee and their staff. Sometimes simply changing the offering and the style of food and drink can turn around the viability of the pub.
- Additional retail uses - It is a fact that many post offices and village stores have closed. The pub is the hub has strong working relationships with the Post Office and Spar Convenience Stores both of whom are keen to help to provide additional outlets for their goods and services.
- Additional facilities - There are many ways to improve the usage and viability of your pub. Some examples already helping other pubs are:
- Church services
- Parish/ local club and society meeting place
- Local pensioner meal support operation
- Pharmacy collection point
- Dry cleaning and laundry deposit and collection point
- Provision of a crèche facility
- Online delivery point
- Fitness/small gym facility
- Art and Craft gallery
- Outlet for farm produce or other locally produced goods