The Lion at Ickleton, near Saffron Waldon in Cambridgeshire is already the hub of its community and the café has helped it diversify its services.
The pub reopened in June this year after the community raised £440,000 for the purchase.
Members of the community benefit society set up to buy the pub - the Ickleton Community Pub Ltd - aim to support people living in the village and surrounding areas to overcome social isolation and loneliness.
A community services grant from Pub is The Hub and expert help was provided to support the opening of the community café.
Overwhelmingly positive response
Society secretary and community café lead Lizzie Molloy 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, met friends and neighbours and enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of your community pub.”
The café currently opens on the third Friday of the month and is run by volunteers, serving coffee alongside tea and cakes.
Great opportunities
HR and communications lead Jo Hancock said: “The community café has been a great way to build community cohesion.
“It is a social space for everyone to meet and provides great opportunities for volunteers.”
There are plans to extend the opening times to provide even more support to those in the local area.
Pub is The Hub regional adviser Terry Stork added: “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 socialist to help combat social isolation.”
This comes after Pub is The Hub found for every £1 spent investing in the provision of services and activities in the pub, an average of £8.28 of social value is created.
Following this, one minister said the Government wants to support rural pubs after it was announced the Department for Business and Trade was providing £440,000 worth of funding to Pub is The Hub.
