29 Oct 2026
As part of a new Hospitality Grant Scheme, Pub is The Hub has been given access to funding to support pubs to offer additional services and activities.
This includes adding village stores, community cafes, play areas and arts and crafts activities, enabling pubs to expand their role as vital local hubs.
Pub is The Hub Chief Executive, John Longden, OBE, said: “Access to this new support from the Hospitality Grant Scheme is warmly welcomed as it will help inspire local publicans to diversify to create much needed local services and activities in their rural, remote or deprived areas.”
A number of pubs have already been able to access grant funding through Pub is The Hub and the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade.
Publican Georgina Ford, who recently took over The Plough in Skellingthorpe, Lincolnshire, has transformed a room adjacent to the bar into a designated community café area where local people can meet, socialise and make connections.
It has already proved popular, attracting in new people and encouraging young, old, families and groups to come together to help combat loneliness and social isolation.
Georgina said: “The community café has been welcomed by local people. We have already seen a lot of ladies coming into the pub because they feel it’s a safe environment.
“We have more people coming into the pub to use the café and have exciting plans to develop this area especially during the winter months.”
Meanwhile, publicans Rachel and Adam Miller of the Cross Keys in Dilham, Norfolk, have opened a new community room and play area.
The community room is already proving popular with people living locally. The space hosts groups such as the local Book Club as well as community events and is available for private events such as christenings and wakes. Equipped with a new coffee machine, the room can also operate as a community café, providing another welcoming space for people to meet, socialise and build connections.
The new play area has also helped make the pub more family friendly, allowing parents to relax with a drink, coffee or meal while their children enjoy the facilities.
Rachel said: “We have received so much support from the local community, who really value their local pub. The new community space and play area have already really enhanced the quality of life for many local people and families. We are a true local hub where families and people can enjoy connecting with others.”
Anyone interested in finding out more can go to www.pubisthehub.org.uk or email enquiries@pubisthehub.org.uk
Read more about the benefits of diversification.
