'Pub-desking' taking off in Northampton as landlords and homeworkers come together to help each other

Pubs and office workers in Northampton have had their worlds completely changed by coronavirus but now they are starting to come together to help each other.

'Pub-desking' is a new enterprise where pubs offer their tables, free WiFi and safe socialising to workers in exchange for a few drinks, lunch or a fee.

Workers stuck at home for seven months get to leave the house and work in a covid-safe environment around some friendly faces with some familiar background noise.

While landlords get more custom earlier in the day, which is even more needed since the 10pm curfew was introduced, on tables that may not have been used before.

Liz Cox, the owner of The Old Five Bells in Kingsthorpe, who has started offering her tables to workers as long as they buy a drink, believes it is a win-win for everyone involved.

"I wanted to do something for people if they are working from home and are missing being surrounded by people or people who have been furloughed or lost their job," she said.

"I can offer them a table to do whatever they want and have a drink and be with people but still be on their own to concentrate or be on the phone."

Liz's Covid-19 safety measures are so exemplary she was namechecked at a Northampton Borough Council meeting.

All patrons wear a mask when not at their tables, everything is regularly cleaned and groups are no bigger than six and everyone is out by 10pm, while keeping the enforcement light-hearted.

"I don't rule with an iron rod or like a sergeant major as a lot of people have said they can feel uncomfortable in some pubs - it's just about being friendly," she said.

"Our pub is safer to go into than a supermarket as evertything is spread out, if someone is on a fruit machine, it's sanitised straight away but we seem to be the ones getting the blame."

Despite the compliance, Liz said business has quietened since masks were made compulsory so she would welcome at-home workers or freelancers filling some tables.

The Old Five Bells has a large car park, enough room to seat 90 people safely, including 'cubby holes' with sofas and fireplaces, free WiFi, plenty of plug sockets and a landlord happy to be both server and agony aunt.

"Just this week I've started offering it but people always know if they are on their own, as I'm here day and night, they can come in even if they have a coffee with me and a chat - I will always make time for people."

Emma Cornell is among those to take advantage of the 'pub-desking' scheme in Northampton.

The University of Northampton student has been going to the Thomas A Becket pub on St James Road, which she has found to be very inviting and supportive in letting her study.

"I have been completing course work and attending online seminars from the comfort of the Thomas A Becket," she said.

"There are plenty of plug sockets and USB points to charge devices, guest access to WiFi, as well as a delicious menu and endless supply of beverages to choose from.

"The staff are super friendly even helping me out with technical issues and the manager Gretta Dowling has even printed some of my work off for me!"