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Aiming to highlight the pivotal role pubs play in nurturing community spirit and bringing people together, #BrewingGood Cheer will be a series of festive pub lunches for locals who don’t have many friends or family around to spend Christmas with.
The first of the lunches in Edinburgh will be held on Wednesday the 14th December by the Royal Voluntary Service at the Riccarton Inn on Lanark Road.
Graham Smith from Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Promoting social activities plays a big part in our work with older people. Our many lunch clubs and social groups, supported by volunteers, bring people together in varied and active ways, therefore, the #BrewingGood Cheer project aligns perfectly.
"Also our dedicated volunteers visit older people at home to provide companionship and support. We are really looking forward to co-hosting the Christmas lunch at the Riccarton Inn”
The brand, whose Edinburgh headquarters employ over 550 people, has also asked National Poetry Slam champion Solomon O.B to create a bespoke poem for the campaign.
London-born Solomon O.B has travelled around the country listening to heart-warming, real-life stories of publicans and locals about the crucial role of pubs in creating a sense of togetherness in their communities.
National Poetry Slam champion Solomon O.B. Picture: Heineken
Heineken have said that they will also be donating £50,000 to 50 charities and community projects that support people who are lonely or isolated across the country.
Claire Matthews from Heineken said: “Pubs are the original social network, so they’re the perfect place to bring people together and help foster a tight-knit community spirit.
“We hope that #BrewingGood Cheer will shine a light on the wonderful examples of community togetherness and the role pubs play in this - from the everyday to the extraordinary.
“And by showing that even a small gesture, such as chat over a drink and food, can make a big difference if you’re feeling lonely, we hope to encourage people to think about reaching out to someone they know in need of some company.”
The other Edinburgh lunches will be co-hosted by Answer Project, The MOOD Project, Craigshill Neighbour Network and Pilton Equalities Project and held at The Cross Tavern, Fork and Field and Tanners Lounge Bar.
• Wednesday 14th December – Riccarton Inn, EH14 5NX, Royal Voluntary Service
• Thursday 15th December – Fork and Field, EH53 0AR, Craigshill Good Neighbour Network
• Monday 19th December – The Cross Tavern, EH47 0RB, Answer Project & The Mood Project
• Wednesday 21st December – Tanners Lounge Bar, EH14 5BA, Pilton Equalities Project
• To find out more about #BrewingGood Cheer, please visit www.neighbourly.com/brew
