Pub is The Hub, www.pubisthehub.org.uk, teamed up with voluntary arts organisation Creative Lives, www.creative-lives.org, and CAMRA (The Campaign for Real Ale), for an online event to help give publicans insights on the opportunities for their pub through hosting creative groups and the big benefits for attendees from their local areas.

The event, which was attended by publicans from around the UK, aimed to inspire publicans on how welcoming creative activity can help further establish their pub as the hub of the local area, help expand their pub’s customer base and also help create a buzz in pubs during traditionally quieter trading times.

Inspiring stories from publicans and creative group organisers from across the UK were featured at the event about the benefits to both of hosting creative activity in pubs. Among pubs featured was community-owned The Stoke Canon Inn, in Stoke Canon (a village of around 660 residents near Exeter), which opened a craft cabin in outdoor space at the pub last year, with the aim of bringing people in the local area together, including to help combat social isolation.

The pub’s craft cabin, (full case study here: The Stoke Canon Inn: Devon (creative-lives.org)), was created with the expert help of Pub is The Hub’s South West regional advisor Reg Clarke and the support of a grant from Pub is The Hub’s Community Services Fund, which helps rural pubs to diversify their services.

The Stoke Canon Inn’s craft cabin, called ‘The Hub’ in recognition of the support received by Pub is The Hub, was built in the pub’s large car park, and is used by locals for activities including a folk night, book club, bingo and quiz nights, local history talks, live music and dancing, knit and natter groups and arts and crafts activities.

The Hub is available for use by anyone in the local area as long as people are able to volunteer their time to make the activity happen. The pub keeps its hire prices low to ensure that the space is affordable and accessible.

John Longden, chief executive of Pub is The Hub, said: “We know that many local creative groups often struggle to find suitable venues in which to meet and that many pubs often have free meeting rooms or spaces at certain times of the week, so partnering offers a great solution for both.

He adds: “Pub is The Hub is delighted to be working with Creative Lives to help promote pubs as local hubs for creativity.”