Hospitality venues tackling loneliness this Christmas

Christmas is a weird time for many. Family, friends, food, drinks and joy are presented as the Clinton Card Christmas we are all supposed to crave. So what happens when Christmas is a time you dread a little? 

Loneliness isn’t new. In fact in 2025 it is at peak levels across all age brackets. 

The Office of National Statistics stated that 26% of Britons report feeling lonely at least some of the time. But when Christmas rears its tinsel adorned head that figure multiplies exponentially. And just last year, Age UK revealed in it’s 2024 ‘Together Not Alone’ campaign that “about a million older people (590,000 to be precise) aged over 65 in the UK won’t see or speak to anyone on Christmas Day and 1.4 million will eat dinner on their own. 

The number of people spending Christmas Day alone has sky rocketed, doubling from 5-11% in a 55 year period according to a study by the Policy Institute at King’s College London. They also revealed that one in 11 21-34 year olds will be spending the holiday on their own this year, increasing from one in 100 who said the same 55 years ago.

As someone who is deep in the depths of the second year of widowdom I think we have to accept that there are many reasons some people choose to see Santa on Christmas Day solo. For some it might be a CHOICE. I mean, I for one have been offered many invitations to spend my first Christmas Day at friend’s houses’ but I declined them all. The main reason for me being is that I didn’t have the energy to mask, I also would feel incredibly guilty if I broke down crying in my Christmas pudding, ruining someone’s festive joy. Added guilt on the big day is something I don’t need to add to my already overflowing festive anguish. 

For people that do still want to connect over the festive period and the big day itself, hospitality venues can play a vital role in bridging that gap. 

Pubs are connection hubs in their local communities and this was echoed in the BBPA’s Long Live The Local campaign, where 30% of people surveyed say “they or someone they know has felt isolated and lonely due to the loss of their local pub”. 

Trees are now going up and Christmas lights are officially on in the places we live, so I wanted to take a few moments to put together a directory of venues doing incredible things to tackle loneliness at a time when people are most vulnerable. Hopefully this blog post will help someone or maybe even prompt some venues / people to host their own festive get-togethers. 

I’ll add listings to the directory as I find more – if you want to be included, drop me a comment or message me via @craftbeerpinup on Instagram. I’ll do some follow -up content on Instagram/Tik Tok to get this out there into the world too.

PUBS

The Alexandra Pub (Wimbledon)

I’m passing the mic to them because what the team have written on their website is just magical and I couldn’t possibly rephrase it better myself: 

“Christmas can be a heart-string-pulling, lump-in-your-throat kind of time, especially without loved ones around the table (or someone to share that last roast potato with). If you find yourself alone this Christmas Day, please come and join us at The Alex. 

“Every year, we open our doors with complimentary, joy-spreading, plate-piling dinners for anyone who would otherwise be spending the day solo, and it’s not just a meal, it’s a proper, warm-hug-around-the-soul kind of celebration (with crackers and plenty of pudding seconds).

“It’s completely on us, no questions, no catches,  just community at its most heartwarming. If you’d like to help us make the day even more magical, we’ve got charity boxes on each of our bars, and you can now donate by card too (every penny goes straight into stuffing stockings and filling plates).”

2025 marks the tenth year that Mick and Sarah have hosted a free Christmas lunch at their pub.

Image: The Alexandra

Visit the Alexandra Pub Website to find out more.

The Guy Earl of Warwick, Welling

Every year this amazing pub opens its doors, offering free meals to those in need on Christmas Day! This year is set to be bigger and better – they have presents for everyone and lots of festive games! The pub is also open 12–3pm for drinks for our other guests who’d like to join us in celebrating the day.

“Christmas is about community, kindness, and togetherness – and we can’t wait to share it with you all.” — Ray , Bon and the guy fam 🍻.

Pop them a message on Facebook to attend.

Pride of the Peaks, New Mills

Shellie and Jimmy Hagan who run the pub put on a range of fundraisers in the lead up to the festive season so they can host their annual free two-course dinner, deliver afternoon teas and Christmas Hampers to isolated OAPs. They’ve ran this event for 14 years now – incredible! 

On Friday 28th Nov they host the 3 legged Santa Saunter/fancy Dress Pub Crawl  to raise vital funds for OAP Christmas. It’s £5 to take part and taking part brings vital funds to their neighbouring pubs too. Community spirit at its finest! 

Pride of the Peaks Facebook 

Food parcels from last year’s collection at The Pride of the Peaks

Sawley Arms, Shropshire

The new pub owners have vowed to not break the pub’s annual tradition of hosting a free 2-course festive meal for seniors. They invite you to join them for a festive day to remember on 17th December at noon – they have a raffle, prizes galore and promise a welcoming, family-style atmosphere. 

Here’s all the info:

Proper Pubs spread festive cheer! 

Proper pubs launch festive appeal to provide drinks and festive messages for people in need in their communities! 

From Saturday, November 22nd to Saturday, December 20th, 220 pubs falling under the banner of Proper Pubs (a division of Admiral Taverns) are asking their customers to write Christmas cards to people who might be spending the holiday season alone. There’s also an option to purchase a drink for the recipient that can via a drinks receipt stapled into the card to be be redeemed at a later date too. 

Each pub will provide a list of potential recipients for customers to choose from including patients in local hospitals, members of community groups, and residents of nursing homes.

Each pub will handle the delivery of the cards, making it easy for anyone who wishes to take part. The cards will be sent out on December 20, aiming to spread a bit of much-needed festive joy. 

Over the past three years, Proper Pubs has been involved in donating nearly 50,000 Christmas selection boxes and advent calendars to local charities. Proper pubs is currently encouraging its operators to collect as many selection boxes for individuals and families in need this year.

Check if your local Proper Pub is taking part and participate in this amazing campaign by search for your nearest and giving them a call:  https://proper-pubs.com/our-proper-pubs/

I checked who is participating in the West Midlands and here’s a handy hit list for this region:

The Ashmore Inn in Wolverhampton, the Ashwood Inn in Stourbridge, the Bear in Stafford, the Boars Head in Oswestry, the Bridge Inn in Trench, the Castle in Dudley, the Coach & Horses in West Bromwich, the County in Willenhall, the Jolly Crispin in Stourbridge, the United Kingdom Inn in Willenhall, the Watergate in Whitchurch, the White Swan in Warley and the Wonder in Tividale.

I’ve asked the Admiral team for the full list to drop here for ease.

I spoke to The Wonder in Tividale and they added:

“We are also collecting money for Claire house children’s hospice. Any donations can be dropped to the pub anytime and we will have our Christmas cards out from Monday 24th November.”

OTHER HOSPITALITY VENUES & BUSINESSES DOING AMAZING THINGS

Flying Pig Catering, Warwick

The amazing team at Flying Pig catering are looking for 100 guests for its Christmas Feast this year, after catering for 47 last year. Please spread the word for owners, Matt and Charlotte Jaynes.

The location for the feast is revealed when people register for the event but here’s all the info for now:

Lowe’s on Carter Street, Uttoxeter

Offers three-course Christmas dinners – complete with Christmas cracker, card and presents for the children – completely free! 

The community scheme was launched by chef George Lowe, who runs the restaurant with his wife Jemma – they delivered over 200 meals last Christmas. All the meals are freshly prepared by the Lowes’ team, then delivered on Christmas Eve, ready to reheat the following day.

George said in a recent article in the Daily Focus: “2025 has been tougher than ever financially for many people. The cost-of-living crisis has got worse and food prices are rising. People are struggling mentally, physically and financially, that’s why this year, Jemma and I feel it’s more important than ever to give back.

“We don’t ask questions. It could be that people simply can’t afford to cook Christmas dinner, it could be that someone is spending their first Christmas alone because they’ve lost someone close – whatever the reason they don’t have to tell us, we will help.”

Anyone who is struggling and would benefit from a Lowe’s Christmas dinner, or who knows someone who would, should email info@lowesoncarterstreet.com

Cathedral Quarter Hotel, Derby

This hotel in St Mary’s Gate is offering half price stays – complete with breakfast, lunch and a traditional Christmas dinner – for people who don’t have family plans in December and January.

 “I really don’t want people feeling lonely this Christmas,” says Operations Manager Isuru Akalanka. “I want guests to arrive as strangers and leave as friends.”

Located in the heart of Derby, this beautifully refurbished Grade II listed hotel is a warm, welcoming space to spend the holidays. 

Cosy rooms are available from £80 (single) or £90 (double) per night (full board). They promise delicious festive menus, heart-warming activities and the chance to make new friends. To book, call 01332 850330. 

Shearbridge Wedding Hall, Shearbridge Road, Bradford

Dynamic Social Care, known for supporting vulnerable adults, is hosting its a community Christmas dinner at 1.30pm on Christmas Day. The event is geared around tackling festive loneliness. 

The free event will provide a three-course meal, entertainment, and a raffle, and transport can be arranged.

With only 60 places available, the elderly and carers are encouraged to book early by calling 07599 674634 or 01274 728323.

A £5 deposit is required to secure a place, refundable on the day.

Bridgnorth Rugby Club, Shropshire

I watched their video promoting their ‘Together at Christmas’ annual festive lunch and what a heartwarming watch it is! Here’s a snippet:

The team have opened up bookings for guests to join them for Christmas Dinner in a warm, family atmosphere. They really don’t want anyone in Bridgnorth to be on their own on what should be a joyous day. 

To get involved: Call (leave a message if no answer) to book 01746 768129 or Email bridgnorthtac@gmail.com 

One Day at Christmas: 10 venues on Friday 5th December

Organised by the UK Events industry, this charity event brings 3,500 people together who are alone or isolated. Our 70 organisations team together to host a Christmas Day Experience at the following venues:

  • Coventry Building Society Arena
  • Nec Birmingham
  • Excel, London
  • Manchester Central
  • Royal Armouries
  • Farnborough International 
  • Business design Centre
  • SEC, Glasgow
  • Tobacco Dock, London
  • P&J Live Aberdeen 

It’s free to attend, you just need to register your interest via: https://www.onedayatchristmas.com/guest-registration. They also call out for volunteers and sponsors too if you’re interested.

Jackson’s Lane, Highgate

They plan to deliver Christmas hampers and gifts to 200 isolated adults in the borough, and welcome 100 guests to a Christmas Day lunch full of festive spirit, food and entertainment.

Last year over 150 volunteers helped to make all this possible. They are currently in need of drivers to help their vulnerable guests travel to and from Jacksons Lane on Christmas Day, and to deliver their hampers. Please reach out if you can help via this form.

Please contact them via email if you’d like to refer an adult in need on Christmas Day. They are jam packed but there is a stand-by list currently. 

Please consider supporting Jacksons Lane JustGiving campaign or visiting their Christmas Day Gift List. Every donation will make a real difference in making Christmas better for many people.

Warwick Street Kitchen, Leamington Spa

I launched this monthly event to encourage people to come and make new friends and as a way to encourage sharing – both food and thoughts. Many people are anxious to dine alone for a number of reasons, and I wanted this to be a safe space for all ages to attend. Feel free to come for just a drink. The food is small and shareable so it’s not as big a commitment as a 3-course sit down meal occasion.

Come and sit with us. Drop me a comment if you’d like to join this month’s event.

Follow WSK on Instagram.

If your a venue doing anything awesome this festive season to combat loneliness and strengthen your community, please drop me a line via Instagram or dropping a comment here and I’ll add you into this directory.

Cheers.

I took my grief for a drink

Perched on a bar stool at a wooden table with a drink in my hand. For the first time in eons, I feel ok. 

When you read that sentence, you would be forgiven for visualising that it was a pint in my hand. This time though, it’s an oat flat white. For months, it wasn’t a pint of beer in my hand. It was coffee and if it wasn’t that, it was alcohol free beer at one of my favourite local pubs. 

My late husband said he didn’t want to be “that internet cancer guy” and I really didn’t want to be the woman that drowned her grief in alcohol. My support network had reduced somewhat under the weight of being a carer and because my husband wanted to keep his diagnoses a secret outside our agreed ‘circle of trust’ and I respected his decision. For fear of my circle shrinking further to the size of a beer mat while I was deep in the trenches of grief, I pushed myself to get out in the big wide world to get a drink with my dark glasses on. 

My poodle Flossie, is a sociable pup who loves a ‘walk with purpose’, so I persuaded myself to get out into the wild, in the spirit of giving her an opportunity to indulge in one of her favourite past-times, flirting with the locals. 

When you’re in a dark place, even the familiar places are a little daunting, it all felt a bit alien. To say I was in my dissociative grief era when I first ventured out the house, is somewhat of an understatement.  I went out for a coffee and I really wasn’t expecting to do the whole thing again and return to the same place. I didn’t want to leave some kind of stormy rain cloud behind in that very place I’d visited. As an empath I didn’t enjoy this thought. I reasoned that at least if I frequented different venues that somehow it would be better for everyone involved. 

In my college days when I frequented ‘Spoons’ I’d always looked over at those men propping up the bar early doors with an “oh dear” feeling a tad sorry for them glance. Now I was one of them. Seeking some sort of connection – even if it was for just a few manageable minutes sipping a beverage. 

Warwick Street Kitchen in Leamington Spa was one of the first places I braved. Honestly, I’m not sure I could have made it through those first months grieving the death of my husband without going in there. It was more than just coffee. It was a few friendly faces and someone actually giving a shit about my day for a few minutes at a time when I wanted to bury my head for the foreseeable future. Meg and Soph at Warwick Street Kitchen gave me a free croissant after a few visits and I questioned if it was a ‘feel sorry for me’ pastry but I actually realised no, they were actually just really bloody nice! 

“The croissant of kindness” as I now call it,  was significant for me. I’d lost my appetite during the first waves of intense grief and croissants were one of the things I could actually pick at throughout the day when I couldn’t stomach anything else. Croissants were also what the kind nurse, Danielle at Myton Hospice gave me and Flossie (who stole a few crumbs) during my stay there with Craig.

One of the many WSK croissant photos from my phone.
Flossie at Warwick Street Kitchen making herself at home.

In the weeks prior to my husband slipping away, every time I walked around the town where we lived, a nauseous feeling overwhelmed me. I actually felt a slight hate for it all. And by it all, I mean everything about the town. Every time I walked past our favourite food & drink places we’d make great memories in, I felt sick. It all felt too painful and in those moments. I couldn’t even fathom visiting any of “our places” again. 

That all changed the day I said “goodbye” to Craig for the last time. When I left the hospice, shell shocked about to get into Craig’s best friend’s car I said: “shall we go to the pub?” 

Darren drove me to The Drawing Board which is most definitely one of “our places.” Subconsciously, I guess I needed to be somewhere we both loved to feel closer to Craig. That’s what my brain and heart wanted. 

When we arrived, we got seated at a table we’d sat at previously for my 40th birthday celebration. I think i was actually seated in the exact same chair. We were asked what we wanted to drink and we ordered. It felt just well, normal. The team there knew Craig and I’m not sure what I’d have done if they’d have asked where he was. Thankfully no-one did. We sat there for a good while, equal parts shock and numb sipping our drinks. After a few sips we strategised what my next step would be which included avoiding staying at home that night. 

That’s the thing, these places become home for us in some way, shape or form. 

At that moment; one of our favourite pubs, The Drawing Board, was the safe space I craved. 

The echoes of the memories we’d made there over the years bounced around the four walls there and enveloped me like a warm hug I so needed in one of the worst moments in my life. Sam and Frankie from The Drawing Board, this is probably the first time you’ve heard all this and i wanted to say “thank you” to you and your team. 

One of the many shots of the Drawing Board from my phone.


So why am I telling you all this? 

Because I wanted to spotlight both these places and highlight why these third spaces are so important. 

And I know I’m not alone. I invite you to drop a comment underneath sharing your experiences. Name checking the venues that feel like home for you. The ones that are integral to your community. Those that you’d be crushed if they closed their doors tomorrow. 

Don’t stop there: leave them a public review, share and like their social media posts, buy a gift card, spread the word – they need you now as much as you once needed them. 

Cheers and much love to all the hospitality venues and their teams that make the world a tiny bit better when someone needs it most. 

Kimberley  x 

Venues tackling loneliness this Christmas

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 😉

Star Wars fans, here’s the beer event you’ve been looking for

Star Wars Celebration will be held in London this Easter (7th-10th April) and what better way to mark the occasion than with a Star Wars-themed craft beer party and the launch of a very special, very limited collab brew from two of the UK’s most respected craft breweries: Emperor’s and BBNo (Brew by Numbers).

Beer Lovers Gift Guide

Unsure what to get the beer lover in your life?

Or fancy treating yourself because 2020 is an absolute shit show?

Either way, I’ve got your back.

Drink Craft to Help Out

The UK Government’s ‘Eat Out to Help Out’ scheme launches tomorrow (3rd August) and many of our favourite indie breweries will be omitted, so I want to use my little platform to give our craft beer community a boost. ⁣

⁣

EVERY DAY that the Government scheme is running I’ll buy someone a beer e.g a £10 voucher for their favourite local indie brewery or if this is not possible, a voucher for Honest Brew 🍺⁣

⁣

Here’s how you can get involved:⁣

⁣

– NOMINATE yourself or someone who deserves a tasty craft beer by commenting under this post or via my social channels (@craftbeerpinp) and also tagging your indie brewery of choice 😀

⁣

– Every day I’ll ANNOUNCE who’s getting the gift of craft beer via Instagram / Facebook Stories / Twitter.

⁣

– Use the hashtag #drinkcrafttohelpout throughout August and show your support for the indie breweries – amplify their news/follow the feed.⁣

⁣

– Pay it forward by gifting a craft beer to someone in your community or some £££ to spend on beer via their virtual Tip Jar!⁣

⁣

– Share the tips, stats and awesome info in this post.⁣

***The daily beer gifting is open to my UK craft beer community right now but there’s no reason the hints and tips couldn’t be shared to help everyone 😉

Blueberry Addiction

I do love a tasty blueberry-tinged beer so if you have any recommendations beer buddies, then send them this way please.

When I worked for Marston’s I was lucky enough to go to visit Shipyard Brewery in Portland, Maine and sipping that Seadog Wild Blueberry Wheat Ale was an absolute dream!

My obsession grew on that trip – in fact, it blossomed beyond belief.

The blueberry beers I’ve had the delight of tasting lately are: Northern Monk’s ‘Blueberry Wild Ale’ and Deya/Odyssey ‘Beautiful Blueberry’. Both looked striking in their respective packaging but would the taste match the outfit?

As part of the Patrons Projects, Northern Monk’s blueberry delight is a collaboration with Alefarm brewery is certainly an interesting beer. With an almost reddy purple tinge when poured, it certainly got me salivating, while the blueberry and candy-esque aromas were very enticing. It’s taste wasn’t as sweet as I was expecting and this actually wasn’t a bad thing because it wasn’t overpowering and sickly as some blueberry beers often are.

The Deya and Odyssey collaboration was a little bit too reminiscent of Ribena for me, however my boyfriend/volunteer taster actually preferred this to the Northern Monk offering. This blueberry and mosaic IPA provided easy drinking but it really wasn’t as punchy as I’d hoped.

Onwards to the next Blueberry beers…