Butcombe pubs across Somerset are launching a new initiative to help support those combat loneliness in local communities.
Butcombe’s Big Table Talk is a weekly invitation for those who may be looking for company to come along and enjoy a free tea or coffee and conversations with other members of the community, in a warm and friendly environment.
Jamie Queen, chief growth officer at 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.”
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Participating pubs in Somerset:
The Rising Sun, Backwell – Tuesdays at 10am
The Bower Inn, Bridgwater – Tuesdays at 10am
The Quarrymans, Box – Tuesdays at 10am
Lamb Inn, Axbridge – Tuesdays at 2pm
Ring O Bells, Compton Martin – Tuesdays at 2pm
The Archangel, Frome – Tuesdays at 2pm
Jamie continues: “We’re encouraging those looking to meet and make connections to come along to one of our participating pubs, meet others and get chatting. Let’s build a stronger, more supportive community, one conversation at a time.”
Butcombe’s Big Table talk launch week coincides with Blue Monday, often cited as the most miserable day of the year.
According to The Campaign to End Loneliness, loneliness is one of the largest public health challenges in the UK. In 2022, 25.9 million people (49% of adults) in the UK reported feeling lonely occasionally, sometimes, often or always.