The Fish Inn in Ringwood and The Mayflower in Lymington, owned by Butcombe Group, are inviting people who may feel isolated to join their new weekly event, Butcombe’s Big Table Talk.
This initiative aims to bring people together, encouraging connections and conversations among those who may be seeking company.
Visitors are welcome to enjoy a free tea or coffee while engaging with other members of the community in a friendly setting.
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Pubs combat loneliness with new weekly social events (Image: Supplied) Jamie Queen, chief growth officer of Butcombe Group, said: “Pubs are the original social network, somewhere at the heart of communities for people to come together and socialise.
“No one should feel alone, so here at Butcombe, we are launching Butcombe’s Big Table Talk where everyone is welcome, to encourage genuine connections and conversations which, hopefully, will make a big difference.”
The initiative was launched during Blue Monday, often regarded as the most miserable day of the year, which can intensify feelings of loneliness and isolation.
According to The Campaign to End Loneliness, 25.9 million people or 49 per cent of adults in the UK, reported feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always in 2022.