The benefits of pub diversification to help people living in rural areas has recently seen new initiatives launched in both Wales and Republic of Ireland.

Pub is The Hub will be supporting diversification projects for Welsh pubs after receiving a grant of £25,000 from The Prince’s Countryside Fund. The organisation is looking for good publicans in Wales with pubs that can offer a vital service to people in their local area.

The new two-year programme will enable Pub is The Hub to help pubs provide much needed services and amenities in rural areas across Wales. This could include a wide range of diversification projects such as village stores, community cafes, IT Hubs, allotments and libraries.

Picture caption: The new AV facilities at the Exelby Green Dragon will attract groups and home workers

Picture caption: The Village Store, The Queen, Brandeston

Picture caption: Pubs can open a community café

Pub is The Hub successfully completed over 20 projects in Wales, when previous funding was in place, and had contact with over 100 pubs that were interested in diversifying.

Republic Ireland has also recognised the importance of pubs to helping rural communities with the launch of its ‘Pubs as Community Hubs’ which follows the model of UK-based Pub is The Hub.

The scheme was modelled on the Pub is The Hub scheme in the UK, following lengthy discussions between Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI) and Pub is The Hub.

The Irish pilot programme is to be rolled out by VFI in five rural locations in Cavan, Kerry, Donegal, Clare and Cork following €50,000 in funding which has been provided by The Department of Rural and Community Development.

The initiative is set to be expanded to other parts of Republic of Ireland if the pilot is a success. Diversification services may include community cinemas, digital hubs, book clubs, arts and crafts workshops and community meeting spaces.

Pub is The Hub, chief executive, John Longden added:

“It is great to see that more pubs and publicans in Wales and the Republic of Ireland will be able to support people living in their rural areas.

“Pubs with great publicans at the helm are often at the heart of many local areas today helping to offer vital services and inspiring more social interaction.”

To find out more about how to work with Pub is The Hub click here