05-June-2008 The Publican - Pub is the Hub could go urban
But it needs extra funding to help pubs diversify
An initiative to help pubs in rural areas diversify could be expanded to help outlets in urban communities.
John Longden, coordinator of Pub is the Hub, said he has received inquiries for help from pubs in towns and cities.
He told ThePublican.com: “Demand is very high from people wanting to diversify.
"We would love to help urban community pubs but we need to raise additional funding to be able to do that.
“But if the opportunity is there we would love to do it because everything we have done over the last five or six years shows it really does work.”
Pub is the Hub was set up to help pubs offer other services such as libraries and post offices. Over the years it has given support to more than 300 pubs.
It is backed by Prince Charles and receives funding from the likes of Enterprise Inns, Punch Taverns, Diageo, Scottish & Newcastle, Marston’s, the BII and the British Beer & Pub Association.
Longden added: “As well as getting inquiries from pubs we are actually hearing from communities who want to know what they can do to help or even how they can run the pub themselves.”