Making your pub centre of the community

In this edition we looked at PUB IS THE HUB and how they are helping publicans diversify to support the community. This week they were at it again with a new project at the WHITE SWAN in Gressenhall, Norfolk, which has opened a community space to support people living locally.  An outbuilding called the Stables has been refurbished to home the multifunctional space, which can be used as a community café, pop-up cinema, meeting room for local groups with the aim to serve takeaway food in the near future. The new facility aims to appeal to all age groups allowing them to socialise in a relaxed environment. It was recognised very quickly that there was a need for a multifunctional space as the nearest market town is four miles away and there is little public transport from the village.

Alex Begg, chairperson of the Gressenhall Community Enterprise, said: “This new space will help bring people together. It means we will be able to host more groups such as Knit and Natter and have space for meetings. It will also play a key role in keeping people in the village connected to help combat social isolation.”

The pub opened the community space after receiving expert help and a Community Services Fund grant from PUB IS THE HUB. The pub was also able to utilise a grant from Norfolk Community Foundation to help with the development. PUB IS THE HUB regional advisor Terry Stork said: “The White Swan is at the heart of this village offering a place for people to get together. It is a great example of a pub supporting people in the local community.”