It’s my first Christmas as a widow and luckily I have lots of invitations from friends to hang out during the festive season but what about people that aren’t so lucky?
Age UK cites that “more than 2 million older people wish they had someone to spend time with at Christmas.” And recent Government research states “more than a third of young people say they feel lonely often, always, or some of the time.”
As someone who has worked in hospitality for most of my life, I wanted to try and put together a list of places that are doing awesome in the run up to Christmas Day, to battle loneliness in their communities. Feel free to drop me details of any venues that are doing awesome things and I’ll add them to this list!
Greene King Pubs: They recently released news that its pubs are hosting 1,400 Community Tables to ease loneliness this Christmas. This initiative is part of GK’s ‘Closer Communities’ year-round programme, designed to support those who may be more vulnerable to feelings of loneliness. They estimate that they’ll bring together 11,000 people with a free two-course festive meal, to help provide much-needed companionship to individuals within their local communities during the holiday season.
The Charlies Bar, Enniskillen has created a whole social media video ad campaign highlighting how their pub is a hub for fighting loneliness this Christmas and it is so heartwarming – John Lewis take notes.
I asked the team at the pub the inspiration behind their Christmas campaign and Manager, Una Burns said: “I think pubs, particularly in more rural locations have such a prominent role to play in combating loneliness. I have worked in our family bar since I was 15. I wanted this years Advert to reflect the reality of Christmas for some – that the festive season can be a very difficult time for anyone who has experienced grief. This isn’t always shown on the TV Adverts. I drew on the experiences and stories that I have seen and heard over the years.
“This year’s advert was meant to be a little reminder of how communities continue to need the support, warmth and connection offered by our pubs. It’s not just about Christmas; it’s about the year-round value of pubs as the beating heart of many communities.”
Please go and give Charlie’s Bar a follow on Instagram – they are awesome!
Hall & Woodhouse Pubs: Around 50 of it’s pubs will provide complimentary three-course meals for locals as part of the ‘Community Christmas Table’ initiative.
Every H&W managed pub in the South has tables of six reserved for Christmas Day and these are available on a first come, first served basis, with waiting lists available in case of cancellation. Guests can request a seat for themselves or be nominated by another party. To get in touch, simply call, email, or direct message one of the participating pubs on social media.
Here’s the H&W pub finder for info.
The Alexandra, Wimbledon: For the best part of a decade, Sarah and Mick Dore have welcomed people who find themselves alone at Christmas into their pub for a proper, homemade Christmas lunch. They are offering free dinner and a glass of vino – last year 161 people attended! See their Facebook post below and get in touch with the team to reserve your seat at the table.
The Sound Lounge, Sutton, London: Has a free Christmas Dinner Monday 23rd December. Details below. Link to their Instagram here.
The Duke of Edinburgh Hotel, Barrow: has set aside a table for senior citizens in the area to enjoy a complementary three-course festive dinner on Christmas Day. View the post on Facebook below to get in touch with the team.
I’ll keep updating the list – keep those listings coming 😉
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