British pubs and publicans have been central to their local communities for centuries, providing a welcoming space that meets social needs and fosters strong community connections. Similarly, Australian pubs – especially in regional towns and suburbs – serve as important social hubs where people come together to relax, connect, and support one another.
New research by UK-based non-profit Pub is the Hub has now quantified the significant social value local pubs contribute.
Both British and Australian pubs play a vital role beyond serving drinks, acting as trusted gathering places that strengthen the social fabric of their communities.
In the research, focus was placed on analysing the impact of adding new activities and services from Pub is the Hub projects implemented between 2022 and 2024, which introduced amenities such as cafes, stores, special events and community garden plots to address both community needs and to reduce social isolation.
The monetary value placed on the social value pubs provide was found to be that for every pound (currently $2.04 AUD) a UK pub spends on activities and services, an average of £8.28, or AU$16.86 of social value was created.
The analysis left no doubt that pubs offer social value that supports social connections, wellbeing, greater social interaction and stronger communities, especially pubs in rural and deprived areas.
It further found that diversified pub initiatives are expected to have long-lasting effects on improved wellbeing for locals and their families, improving mental health and reducing loneliness while giving people greater independence.
For pubs, the key recommendations emerging from the research were to:
- Proactively embrace diversification
- Build partnerships within the local community
- Develop digital skills; and
- Measure the impact of the above.
“By empowering pubs to become more than just places to drink,” says the report, “diversified pubs are helping to create a future where rural, and other, communities are not only surviving but thriving, with pubs at their heart.
“The model offers a blueprint for sustainable rural and other development that can be replicated and scaled, ensuring that pubs and publicans continue to play their vital and unique role in the social and economic fabric of life for generations to come.”
Pub is The Hub is a not-for-profit that helps publicans in rural areas across the UK diversify services to support their communities and boost local social value.
Download the Social Value Report here.
