The Community Comeback
After almost a month since the UK Government told the British public to avoid pubs and restaurants, many businesses across the country are still in a quandary about where things are going and what the future will hold for their business.
However, some things are clear, people are travelling less and are finding it more and more difficult to get hole of essential supplies through the larger supermarkets.
Local communities are joining forces and transforming their local facilities such as pubs and post offices into thriving central community hubs offering an alternative to supermarket shopping.
Public houses a common sight in many of the UK’s towns and villages have been temporarily closed as requested by the UK government in order to help fight against COVID-19. However, business owners are planning for the future and re-evaluating how and what they can deliver to their local community in order to not become a victim to this virus and come back stronger once the storm has settled.
“It is often the case that many pubs have close links with an array of local farmers, producers and suppliers, along with kitchen facilities with the ability to transform ingredients into a variety of products, as well as meals for takeaway consumption. It therefore makes sense for these sites to diversify and extend their current offerings to their supportive local communities.” Says Nicola Pedrette, Design Consultant at Target Catering Equipment.
Already recognising this are larger pub groups such as Punch Pubs & Co. who have set-up the “Pub Shop” initiative, teaming up with food supplier Brakes to deliver essential groceries to local communities.
Target Catering Equipment’s design consultants have been working closely with a number of independently owned pubs and pub groups to help do just this. With local public houses being central in many communities makes for an ideal location for a central community hub; a public house come local store, delicatessen and/or takeaway.
With carefully thought-out layout designs local communities and businesses can once again begin to thrive in these somewhat unprecedented and uncertain times.
If you’re planning for the future and are interested in expanding your offering take the first step and speak to a Target design consultant for free professional advice about how you can transform and expand your business.
Image: Punch Pubs & Co. “Pub Shop” Initiative