Pubs have long played an important role at the heart of their communities, particularly in rural areas where access to local services can be limited. Funding available through Pub is The Hub could help publicans broaden that role by introducing new services and activities for local residents.
Pub is The Hub may be able to offer grants of up to £6,000 to eligible publicans in rural, remote or deprived areas who want to introduce additional services or activities that benefit their local community.
Projects can take many different forms depending on what is needed locally. Previous initiatives have included community cafés, village stores, allotments and play areas as well as activities such as theatre and craft workshops.
The aim is not simply to diversify the services offered by a pub. These projects can help create places for people to meet, improve access to services and tackle social isolation and loneliness, while strengthening the pub's position within its community.
More support for community pub projects
Pub is The Hub is a not-for-profit organisation founded by HM King Charles III when he was Prince of Wales. Alongside potential grant funding, it provides independent specialist advice to publicans and communities looking at ways to diversify and introduce sustainable local services.
The organisation has recently secured access to further Government funding to expand its work across the country.
The Department for Business and Trade has committed £440,000 to support Pub is The Hub in delivering more than 40 projects. These are expected to include initiatives such as village stores, community cafés, allotments and play areas within pubs.
For publicans considering how they could make better use of their premises, introduce an additional income stream or provide a service that is currently missing from their local area, the scheme could be worth exploring.
Eligibility and the level of support available will depend on the individual project and circumstances.
Could your pub offer more to your local community?
Find out more about the support and funding available through Pub is The Hub.
All data and figures referred to in our news section are correct at the date of publishing and should not be relied upon as still current.
