Could Pub Desking Help Save Local Pubs (and Bring Community Back)?

Could Pub Desking Help Save Local Spaces (and Bring Community Back)?

Pubs are struggling. Cafés are quiet. Freelancers are lonely. Communities are disconnected.

But one simple idea could change all of that.

A few months ago, I shared a post on LinkedIn about something called Pub Desking, turning quiet weekday hours in pubs into co-working space for freelancers, small business owners, and remote workers.

That post reached over 440,000 people and hundreds commented saying “I’d love to do this!”

That reaction made one thing clear: people want connection again.

Now, I want to make it happen right here in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole as part of the Step Up BCP movement. Step Up is designed to connect the dots between residents, businesses and charities so we can rebuild real community from the ground up.

What is Pub Desking?

It’s simple.

When pubs, cafés, or community centres are quiet during the day, they open their doors to people who usually work from home.

You charge a small day rate, around £10 to £15 per person, and in return, offer:

✅ A table or cosy corner to work from

✅ Fast Wi-Fi

✅ Tea, coffee or soft drinks (maybe breakfast or lunch)

✅ A warm, friendly atmosphere

✅ The chance to meet other locals

Instead of sitting alone at home, people get a social space to work and connect. Businesses get steady weekday income, new customers, and community buzz around their space.

Everyone wins.

Why It Works

Local spaces are the heart of community life. They’ve always been where people come together, we just need to give them new purpose.

Pub Desking gives freelancers, parents, and small business owners a reason to step inside during the week.

It fills empty seats, brings repeat customers, and builds a network of people who’ll keep returning, not just to work, but to eat, drink, and connect.

And it creates so many opportunities for the business to engage with their local community:

📸 Guests sharing their experience

👩‍🍳 Staff posting behind-the-scenes moments

💬 Locals recommending it to friends

📲 The business turning it into an ongoing social media story

This is exactly the kind of thinking that inspired Step Up BCP.

Imagine if the businesses on one street came together as a collective, creating simple, community-led ideas that bring people back to the high street, encourage them to explore, meet others, and support local businesses together.

How It Could Work in BCP

We’re testing the idea locally through Step Up BCP, a new free platform that will connect residents, businesses and charities to rebuild community pride across our towns.

Imagine if every venue had its own page on the platform showing:

🍻 When they’re open for Pub Desking

💻 What’s included in the day rate

📍 Local events and meet-ups they host

🤝 How they’re supporting their community

It’s a small idea with the potential for a massive ripple.

Next Steps

If you run a local pub, café, or community space in BCP, I’d love to hear from you.

Would you consider hosting Pub Desking sessions or other community events?

You could even use your space for pop-ups, networking mornings, or local markets.

Together, we can prove that local spaces still have the power to bring people together, boost business, and spark pride across BCP.