The Lion at Ickleton, near Saffron Walden, Cambridgeshire, has opened a community café to help people socialise.
The pub, which was reopened in June 2025 after £440,000 was raised for the purchase, puts community at the centre of its ethos.
The Lion has already become the hub of the community offering food, cask beer and friendly atmosphere.
Members of the Ickleton Community Pub, the community benefit society set up to purchase the Lion, were determined to support people living nearby to help overcome loneliness.
Expert help and a Community Services Fund grant from Pub is The Hub, a not-for-profit organisation that helps pubs to diversify their services and activities, was provided to support the opening of the community café.
The café, which currently opens on the third Friday of the month and is run by volunteers, has already become an important meeting place for families, friends and those living alone.
It has become a must-visit for close to 50 people each month plus the numbers continue to grow prompting plans to extend opening times.
Community café lead Lizzie Mollo said: “Since opening, the response to our café has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s been lovely to see so many friendly faces enjoying coffee, cake and a chat together.
“It’s the perfect way to start your morning, meet friends and neighbours and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of your community pub.”
Regional advisor for Pub is The Hub Terry Stork said: “This is a pub that is really at the heart of its community. This important new service will enable people of all ages to get together and socialise to help combat social isolation.”
Pictured: Terry Stork, left, with some of the Lion's volunteers
