The data, based on a survey of 476 participants, showed more than half (55%) would be open to working from a pub while almost all (98%) said they would be interested in a ‘work from the pub package’ including unlimited hot drinks and a light food offering.
Of those interested in working from the pub, 45% would consider doing so as frequently as once a week and 65% at least a few times a month, with those most open to the idea aged between 18 and 34-year-olds.
Groundswell of interest
Additionally, of those interested in a ‘work from the pub package’, the most important thing to the majority of homeworkers were comfortable chairs (74%), fast internet (72%), and quiet spaces (65%).
Star central operations director Caren Geering said: “It’s clear there is a groundswell of interest in working from a pub.
“Offering unlimited hot drinks and a light bite as part of a work from the pub package would appear to be an essential part of the attraction.”
To help licensees capitalise on this potential income, all Star Pubs & Bars business development managers have planned to hold face-to-face meetings with licensees to discuss their individual options and share free social media assets.
Additional income
In addition, Star has created a range of point-of-sale materials that can be tailored to each pub and is subsidising their print and production by 50%.
Geering added: “For those who can offer comfortable seating, a quiet space and fast internet, it offers an opportunity for additional income, a great way to attract new loyal customers as well as providing a community service.”
This comes as last month pubcos, including Youngs and Fuller’s, announced similar work from the pub deals amid soaring energy costs, ranging between £10 and £15 and generally consisting of a lunch and drink deal.
A spokesperson for Fuller’s said: “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."
