Star Pubs & Bars is using the winter food and drinks menus in its managed operator pubs to fundraise for one of the UK’s leading loneliness charities – Marmalade Trust – and raise awareness of the work it undertakes. According to HEINEKEN UK commissioned research, almost half (46%) of people experience loneliness at least once a week, and to improve pub goers’ understanding of loneliness and the support available.
The company has created a marmalade themed dessert and cocktail, and will make a donation on behalf of consumers to Marmalade Trust for each of these items sold, as well as including information about Marmalade Trust on menus.
Says Star Pubs & Bars’ managing director, Lawson Mountstevens, “Statistics show that many of us experience loneliness. This can increase over the festive period. As hubs of the community, pubs are ideally placed to make a difference. Our new fundraising cocktail and dessert are an easy way for pubs to raise money for an important cause at a busy time of year. We hope they will also open up helpful conversations and support around loneliness amongst customers.”
Amy Perrin, Founder/CEO of Marmalade Trust says: “Talking about loneliness can be hard, so it’s fantastic to see Star Pubs & Bars using this opportunity to discuss loneliness in so many pubs around the country. The more we discuss loneliness, the more we can help move to a society where people feel comfortable speaking openly and increase social connections. Pubs play a vital role in bringing people together, and are the perfect setting to do this.”
The move is a first for Star, which appointed Marmalade Trust as its official charity partner earlier this year. The new winter menu is now available in its managed operator pubs.