The Role of Rural Pubs
Community Hubs: The Role of Rural Pubs
You can measure the strength of a village community by its pub. It’s where news is swapped faster than social media, worries are shared, and laughter lingers long after last orders. The village local is also a great leveller - where locals of every walk of life gather, shoulder to shoulder, to share stories over a quiet pint.
That’s the real charm of rural community pubs. They’re not just places to ‘grab a quick drink’; they are the heartbeat of village life, keeping the community spirit alive week after week. Look at any website belonging to a rural community pub and you’ll likely see everything from farmers’ breakfasts and charity fundraisers to live folk bands and local wedding receptions. Whatever events are running, it’s fair to say that the rural community pub is key to sustaining countryside hospitality.
Do People In Rural Communities Rely On Their Local Pub That Much?
Absolutely! And there is research to back it up. According to Dr Thurnell-Read 2021, Open Arms: The Role of Pubs in Tackling Loneliness - a report commissioned by the Campaign to End Loneliness - nearly one in four pub goers say the conversations they have in their local help them feel less lonely. The report found that people see their pub as a local hub and one of the few places where social barriers naturally come down and people of all ages and backgrounds find common ground. In rural communities in particular, pubs act as informal support networks - places where locals check in with each other, share stories, offer and ask for help and quietly look out for one another. As Thurnell-Read notes, “the pub functions as a safe, familiar environment that fosters belonging and connection.”
Do Rural Community Pubs Really Make a Difference To Community Wellbeing?
Without question. The Open Arms report found that more than 60% of pub-goers see their local pub as an important space for community interaction and 40% said it was the main place they socialised outside the home. Thurnell-Read explains, “Pubs provide a sense of stability and familiarity in a world that can otherwise feel isolating.” For rural communities where opportunities for social interaction on the high street are limited, this role is even more vital. In areas where people may live miles apart, the local pub may be the only regular meeting place they have. Thurnell-Read adds, “Going to the local pub is an opportunity to get out of the house and have a conversation. Especially for older residents, meaningful social interactions like this can be infrequent, especially in retirement or after the bereavement of a long-term partner.” Even a brief chat between regulars or a friendly exchange with staff can go a long way in easing feelings of loneliness.
What Are Rural Community Pubs Doing To Thrive?
Today’s thriving rural pub landlords understand the need to adapt, ensuring their pub remains the community’s quiet hero. Some have added coffee mornings and craft events to their calendar; others open their doors to local groups during quieter periods, offering a welcoming meeting place at the heart of the village.
Beyond their role as local hubs, many rural community pubs benefit from a steady tourist trade. Hikers, cyclists and weekend adventurers who are eager to explore the beauty of the countryside see a friendly pub at the end of a muddy track as the perfect reward. The most successful lead the way by offering a welcome as warm as the roaring fires they light in colder months. The very best will serve hearty menus made with locally-sourced ingredients, provide charming pub gardens with plenty of seating for warmer days and offer cycle racks for secure bike storage. Some enterprising landlords go further by partnering with local walking or cycling groups or popular enthusiast websites and producing route maps that start and finish at their pub.
What’s The Future For Rural Community Pubs?
Brimming with potential! The rural community pub is perfectly placed to serve a new generation of customers as more people embrace hybrid working and trade city noise for countryside calm. We are seeing pubs that double as remote work hubs, offering a warm place to work where the coffee is flowing and the Wi-Fi is good. Creative landlords can tap into new opportunities for tourist guests, too - from opening rooms for bed and breakfast and offering camping or glamping facilities to partnering with nearby campsites to offer perks such as discounted breakfasts for guests.
With the right approach and mindset, running a rural community pub can give you the chance to become part of a timeless tradition that defines and supports rural life. Your pub could do more than just serve pints - it can bring people together and keep village life thriving. By staying true to local roots, you’ll play a vital role in sustaining countryside hospitality and keeping the local pub at the heart of the community.
Interested In Running Your Own Pub? Here’s What To Do…
Take a look at our comprehensive recruitment brochure which clearly explains how Greene King Pub Partners can support you every step of the way. Then, explore our case studies to see what life as a Greene King landlord really looks like. Hear honest, practical insights from experienced pub operators who have been through the process and learn about the day-to-day challenges, exciting opportunities and full support available from Greene King Pub Partners.
If it inspires you, get in touch today by calling 01284 843200 or emailing pubpartnersrecruitment@greeneking.co.uk to start your journey with us.
Sources:
Thurnell-Read, Thomas (2021). Open Arms: The Role of Pubs in Tackling Loneliness. Loughborough University.