As we pause to remember those who have served, we are proud to celebrate how pubs across the UK continue to support veterans every day. Whether through fundraising, friendship, or employment, pubs play a vital role in helping members of the Armed Forces community feel valued, connected, and part of something bigger.
“Pubs continue to serve those who served us offering friendship, purpose and belonging at the heart of every community.”
From the front line to the bar front
For many veterans, the transition from military to civilian life can be daunting. Pubs and breweries across the country are stepping up to make that journey easier. Through employment and training opportunities, the industry is helping veterans put their transferable skills such as teamwork, leadership, communication, and resilience to use in a new setting.
Initiatives like the Royal British Legion Industries (RBLI) Lifeworks programme have partnered with hospitality employers to help veterans build careers within the sector. Many pub companies also go the extra mile by offering flexible working to reservists and service families, helping them balance their military commitments with civilian work.
A place to belong
For those who have left service life behind, the local pub often becomes an anchor, a space to connect, share stories, and feel part of something again. Across the country, pubs host regular veterans’ meetups, coffee mornings, and remembrance events that foster friendship and support.
In Lancashire, The Royal Oak in Garstang runs a weekly “Forces Friday” where veterans gather to talk, laugh, and support each other. In Kent, The Rose and Crown in Tonbridge hosts an annual Armed Forces Day celebration, raising thousands for Help for Heroes. And in Devon, The Drake Manor Inn invites local veterans to share their stories each Remembrance Day, ensuring the memories and the people are never forgotten.
These moments of connection can make a huge difference to those who may otherwise feel isolated after leaving service.
Pubs as safe havens
Many landlords and landladies see their pubs as safe spaces for conversation and care. Some have trained as Mental Health First Aiders or work closely with organisations such as Combat Stress, the UK’s leading mental health charity for veterans.
Whether it is a quiet chat across the bar or a community support night, pubs offer a familiar environment where veterans can talk openly, something that can be life changing for those struggling with loneliness or post-service adjustment.Raising funds and awareness
The sector’s support goes far beyond the bar. Every year, pubs raise millions for military charities through quiz nights, raffles, and special events. Many brewers create commemorative beers inspired by stories of service and sacrifice, using the power of storytelling to raise funds and awareness.
For example, Adnams’ Hero Ale supports the Royal British Legion, while St Austell Brewery’s Tribute to Heroes donates proceeds to local veterans’ charities. These initiatives celebrate the courage of service men and women and ensure their legacies live on through community action.
Honouring service, past and present
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has underlined the industry’s commitment by officially signing the Armed Forces Covenant, pledging to support serving personnel, veterans, reservists, and military families across the sector.
By signing the Covenant, the BBPA has committed to recognising the skills and contributions of the Armed Forces community and ensuring they face no disadvantage in accessing employment, services, or opportunities.So far, BBPA members including St Austell, Adnams, Hall & Woodhouse, and ARC Inspirations have joined this national effort, with more encouraged to follow.
As part of this pledge, the BBPA will:
- Promote itself as an Armed Forces-friendly organisation and encourage members to sign the Covenant.
- Provide guidance and resources to help members support the Armed Forces community.
- Support employment pathways for veterans and service leavers by recognising military qualifications and offering flexible working for reservists and service families.
A Continuing Commitment
From job creation to community connection, the UK’s pubs continue to serve those who served us, one pint, one conversation, and one fundraiser at a time.
This Remembrance season and beyond, when the Last Post plays and people come together in quiet tribute, it is worth remembering that behind every gathering and every act of remembrance is a pub doing what it does best: bringing people together and keeping community spirit alive.
PubAid was founded in 2009 to celebrate and promote the great work that pubs do for their communities. From fundraising and volunteering to supporting grassroots sport and providing places to belong, pubs across the UK contribute over £100 million to charity every year.
Through initiatives like the Community Pub Hero Awards, the Positive PUBlicity Hub and research campaigns such as Pubs Power Sport, PubAid continues to shine a light on the positive impact of pubs in every corner of the country.
General T&Cs
Prize details:
Two Premier League tickets with hospitality fulfilled by Sky Business - to a game of your choice from a select list. Eligible for 2026 Premier League home games in the 2025/26 season
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