JOSEPH HOLT PUBS FIGHT LONELINESS WITH FEB-BREW-ARY CAMPAIGN
Joseph Holt is tackling loneliness head-on with the launch of its month-long ‘Feb-BREW-ary’ campaign, offering free tea and coffee at many venues, along with a ‘warm space’ where people can meet, connect, and so combat isolation.
While the brewery may be known for its award-winning ales. But Feb-BREW-ary focuses on another brew – free cuppas – highlighting the many drop-in sessions, and social or support groups taking place at its pubs bringing those who are lonely together.
Joseph Holt owns 127 pubs across Manchester and the North West. These venues host everything from bereavement and Alzheimer’s and carers support groups to menopause sessions, knitting clubs, and casual “chit-chat” gatherings. Often centred around a free cuppa (and sometimes food) and a chat.
Research, by the British Beer and Pubs Association (BBPA) found that two out of three (67%) people see pubs as “vital” in the fight against isolation.
At The New Grove in Whitefield, a weekly Tuesday afternoon meetup includes free tea, coffee and homemade cakes
Landlady Joanna McDonald explains: “It started after the lockdown to get my older customers back out and chatting again, and it’s still going strong. I have a lovely customer who bakes the best cakes each week—he really spoils us. Tuesdays have become one of my favourite days of the week. There’s so much loneliness and social isolation out there, and this is a role pubs can play in addressing it.”
Other pubs offering warm spaces include The Edington Arms near Wigan which serves free tea and coffee every day to encourage people to come in and strike up conversation.
“We get people coming in, seeing others on their own, and hopefully starting a chat,” says landlady Adele Gaskell.
In Warrington, the Millhouse hosts “Chatterbox Mornings” every other Tuesday with free tea, biscuits, discussion sessions, and guest speakers.
And at The Bird I`th Hand, there are ‘warm without worry’ sessions where you can drop in for a hot drink a slice of cake and enjoy a chat with others who come in.
Meanwhile, The Mosley Arms in Bolton opens its doors every Wednesday afternoon from 1:30–4:30, offering free tea, coffee, warm food, and children’s activities.
“There are so many people who might not see anyone all day, of all ages,” says landlady Bernadette Arms. “This community drop-in encourages people to come out and enjoy a warm space. We also collect good-quality clothes, toys, baby items, and household items, which are offered to anyone during the drop-in.”
In Charnock Richard, the Bowling Green Pub hosts a Talkin’ Tables group every Friday, with complimentary tea and coffee.
The loneliness epidemic, which spiralled during the Covid-19 pandemic, continues to affect millions. According to ONS statistics from July–September 2025, 54% of women and 47% of men in Great Britain report feelings of loneliness, with approximately 3.83 million people experiencing chronic loneliness.
Mark Norbury, director of pubs at Joseph Holt adds: “As an independent business that has remained in the same family for six generations, Joseph Holt has always believed that pubs create a sense of togetherness. Pubs are natural community hubs – informal places to meet, socialise, and form friendships. Where there is a pub, there is a community. Through Feb-BREW-ary, we want people to know that Joseph Holt pubs brew more than beer. Alongside our ales, there’s always a kettle on – and no one needs to feel alone.”
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