Energy crisis: Pubcos offer ‘work from pub’ deals

This comes as pubs and households brace for a serious hike in energy costs this autumn, as suppliers cancel long-term energy contracts many rely on.

Young’s first introduced its £15 WFP packages in 2020. The deal, which operates at 185 Young’s pubs, varies but can include a sandwich lunch with bottomless tea and coffee.

Young’s promises free, fast Wif-Fi, cosy spaces, fireside armchairs, laptop charging points, a change of scenery and fully-stocked bar to those wanting to work from their pubs.

Helping out

Pubs taking part include the Guard House, Woolwich, East London, Red Barn, the Dog & Fox, Wimbledon, Southwest London and the Red Barn, Lingfield, Surrey.

Similarly, Fuller’s offers a lunch and drink deal from £10 a day across its 380 pubs.

A spokesperson for Fuller’s said: “We started offering more bespoke packages for people wanting to work from the pub during the pandemic when offices were closed.

“For many people, the isolation of working from home needs more than just interruptions for Zoom calls and the pub provides a warm welcome and a social hub to operate from."

Reducing bills

“We have certainly seen a rise in people coming and using the pub as a third space, a trend we expect to grow as people look for ways to reduce their household bills, and with excellent WiFi in all sites and access to plug sockets and USB points, it’s a convenient and pleasant place to be," they added.

The pub provided a range of soft drink options – including no and low-alcohol beers as well as teas and coffees – for those working from the pub. The wide range of food options would keep “even the hungriest homeworker happy,” said the spokesperson.

Participating Fuller’s pubs include the Mason’s Arms, Battersea, south London, the Victoria, Paddington, central London and the Blue Boat, Hammersmith, west London.

The spokesperson added: “Pubs need people to make them come alive, so with many people working from the pub at quieter times like late morning and through the afternoon, it adds to the atmosphere too.”