Could Pub Desking Help Save Local Pubs (and Bring Community Back)?
Pubs are struggling.
Cafés are quiet.
Freelancers are lonely.
And many of us feel more disconnected than ever.
But one simple idea could change all of that.
It’s called Pub Desking.
A few months ago, I shared a post on LinkedIn about turning quiet weekday hours in pubs into informal co-working space for freelancers, small business owners and remote workers.
That post reached over 440,000 people.
Hundreds commented the same thing:
“I’d love to do this.”
That response made one thing clear.
People don’t just want somewhere to work.
They want connection again.
And now, that idea is live across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole through Step Up Spaces.
What is Step Up Spaces?
Step Up Spaces is a community-led initiative under the Step Up BCP platform, designed to turn underused local venues into welcoming daytime hubs for work, creativity and connection.
When pubs, cafés or community centres are quiet during the day, they open their doors to people who usually work from home.
Venues typically charge a small day rate, often around £10–£15, and in return offer:
- A table or cosy corner to work from
- Fast Wi-Fi
- Tea, coffee or soft drinks (sometimes food too)
- 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.
Instead of empty seats, venues get steady weekday income, new customers and a fresh sense of purpose.
Everyone wins.
You can explore how it works and see participating venues on the Step Up Spaces page.
Why pub desking works
Local spaces have always been the heart of community life.
They’re where people meet, talk, celebrate and connect.
Step Up Spaces simply gives those spaces a new rhythm during quieter hours.
For freelancers, parents and small business owners, it offers structure, social contact and a reason to get out of the house.
For venues, it:
- Fills empty seats during the week
- Brings in repeat customers
- Creates daytime buzz and word-of-mouth
- Builds a loyal local following
It also opens up natural storytelling opportunities:
- Guests sharing their workday experience
- Staff posting behind-the-scenes moments
- Locals recommending the space to friends
- Venues turning it into an ongoing social media story
This kind of thinking sits at the heart of Step Up BCP, where small, practical ideas create big ripple effects.
What this could look like across BCP
Through the Step Up BCP platform, Step Up Spaces venues have their own dedicated presence.
Each space can show:
- When they’re open for Step Up Spaces
- What’s included in the day rate
- Local events, meet-ups or pop-ups they host
- How they’re supporting their community
Imagine if multiple venues on one street did this together.
People moving between spaces.
Meeting new faces.
Exploring their local area again.
Supporting multiple businesses in one day.
That’s how high streets start to feel alive again.
Who Step Up Spaces is for
- Pubs, cafés and community venues looking to boost weekday income and build local loyalty
- Freelancers and remote workers craving connection and routine
- Parents and carers who need flexible, welcoming places to work
- Small business owners who want community, not isolation
If you run a venue and are curious about hosting, or you’re looking for a place to work that feels human, Step Up Spaces is already happening.
Next steps
If you’re a venue owner, you can find out how to get involved and register your space here:
👉 Visit the Step Up Spaces page
If you’re a local resident or freelancer, you can browse spaces and join the wider movement through the Step Up BCP community.
Because local spaces still have the power to bring people together.
Sometimes, they just need permission to be used differently.
