Free Christmas dinners at 1,400 Greene King sites

Pub operator and brewer Greene King has announced that more than 1,400 of its managed pubs will be giving away two-course Christmas meals.

The pubs will each host a 'Community Table' day during December. This initiative is part of Greene King’s ‘Closer Communities’ year-round programme, designed to support those who may be more vulnerable to feelings of loneliness, with the ‘Community Table’ day providing extra support over the festive period. 

Greene King estimates that the programme will bring together as many as 11,000 people with a free two-course festive meal, to help provide companionship to individuals within their local communities during the holiday season.   

"Our pubs are at the heart of communities across the country, helping to foster connections and bring people from different walks of life together in one place," says Andrew Bush, chief experience officer at Greene King. "We're proud to play our part in spreading some holiday cheer by supporting up to 11,000 people who either play an important role within their communities or who may otherwise spend the festive season alone, ensuring everyone feels included during this special time of year."

You'll never dine alone

Recent research from The Eden Project, the charity partnering with Greene King for this initiative, found that one in eight UK adults (13%) report feeling lonely often or always.

The charity found that those most affected by severe loneliness are women, younger adults, people with a disability, people from minority ethnic groups and people on low household income.  

The Community Table initiative will reach communities up and down the country, with pubs including The Salt Quay pub in south London hosting a complimentary meal for local pensioners and the Old Bank Bar in Dundee opening its doors for 20 people from a local homeless charity, the Lilywalk Centre, on Christmas Day. 

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