16th January 2025
Written by Rachel Wallace
As the busy Christmas period fades into a distant memory, many people retreat indoors, determined to stick to New Years resolutions, or to save money after many festive indulgencies and expense. But January doesn’t need to be this way. In fact, January is the perfect time to step out and visit and support your local pub. Here’s why…
Challenge yourself with new activities!
Is one of your new year’s resolutions to start a club? Or to do a solo activity to push yourself out of your comfort zone? Well, the pub is a great place to put these resolutions into practice. Plenty of our pubs have events for people of all ages, where you can come solo and meet new people, or meet up with friends.
From coffee mornings and book clubs in the evenings, to live music nights and many of our pubs hosting quiz nights, you don’t need to stay in during January. You can still spend your evenings socialising without spending much money or drinking!
Find a pub near you which has events on:
Beat the January Blues
The ‘January Blues’ are something we all experience. After the big build up to Christmas with the excitement of seeing friends and family, January tends to feel a little dull and dreary. The cold weather, shorter days and post-party lull often contribute to the lower mood a lot of us feel. A trip to the pub offers a break from this. Where there is warmth, conversations and a cosy, friendly atmosphere where you can meet new people or reconnect with those you didn’t have a chance to in the busy lead up to Christmas. It is amazing what an hour or two at your local can do for your mood (even if you aren’t drinking!).
Supporting local businesses
As you can imagine, January is a slow month for many businesses, however the hospitality industry feels it the most. Pubs are often booming around Christmas time, but really feel it in the months after. By visiting your local pub, you are helping to support an important part of the community during the time when they need it most. For our Pub Partners, this is their livelihood, and they rely on the support from their communities the most post-Christmas.
Stick to your resolutions without restricting yourself too much!
Worried about breaking your New Year’s resolutions? Our pubs offer plenty of options to accommodate your goals. If your aim is to drink less, try one of the many alcohol-free beers, ciders, or mocktails now available. If healthier eating is on your agenda, many pubs have lighter menu options or fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you have promised yourself to try Veganuary, many pubs have delicious vegan options to tempt you by. Visiting the pub doesn’t mean sabotaging your progress – it can complement it.
Reconnect without the holiday chaos
During December, social gatherings can feel rushed and chaotic with packed schedules. January provides a quieter, more relaxed opportunity to spend quality time with loved ones. A pub is the perfect setting for those important, undisturbed catch ups, whether over a coffee by the fire or a plate of delicious comfort food.
A cost-effective night out
Pubs offer an affordable way to enjoy an evening out without splurging. Many venues feature budget-friendly menu items and drink specials, making it easier to stick to financial resolutions while still treating yourself.
Warm up and unwind
There’s nothing quite like the ambiance of a pub on a cold winter’s evening. The crackling of a fireplace, chatter, and the hum of life make it a welcoming escape from the January chill. Whether you bring a book, watch live sport, or simply soak up the atmosphere, pubs are designed to help you relax and unwind from whatever is going on in your life.
Enjoy seasonal specials and offers
As with most businesses, January is a great time to make the most of offers and deals which are on during the quieter months. Whether it be discounted drinks, loyalty cards or offers on food, there’s always something to make your visit even more enticing. Plus, this can be the time to try something new, something you wouldn’t usually try. Pubs often make seasonal menus, so you can try a new hearty winter dish to combat the cold from outside.
This January don’t let the winter melancholy keep you cooped up at home. Head to your local pub for a cosy, affordable, and uplifting experience. Whether you’re looking for connection, comfort, or just a change of scenery, a visit to the pub is the perfect remedy for the season’s gloom.
