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!
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.
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.
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