Empty Chairs is a community-led campaign that invites people to book a small table in a pub or café, leave a few chairs empty, and make it easy for anyone who wants company to sit down.
The Empty Chairs Pub Campaign has grown rapidly since its launch, recording more than 2,000 events across over 25 countries. Its straightforward approach gives pubs, cafés, hosts and local communities a way to create welcoming spaces where people can meet, talk and share a table.
About the Empty Chairs Pub Campaign
Empty Chairs began as a personal act of remembrance and grew into a community initiative. In late 2025, Dean Perryman lost his best friend, Rob, to suicide.
During December, Dean spent each evening at a pub table surrounded by empty chairs, offering a simple invitation for anyone who wanted company to join him. The first few nights passed without anyone sitting down. On the fourth day, someone joined him in Benfleet, Essex.
As Rob’s 30th birthday approached on 26 January 2026, Dean invited others to repeat the idea in their own communities. Thirteen people agreed, turning one person’s daily routine into a wider campaign.
Since then, the campaign has connected pubs, cafés and communities around a shared idea, which is leaving space at the table for someone who may need company.
What is the Empty Chairs Pub Campaign?
The Empty Chairs Pub Campaign uses a simple community table pub format. A host books a table in a pub, café or similar public venue, then leaves several chairs free for anyone who wants to join. No registration, fee, agenda or commitment applies.
The campaign is not a club, therapy service, networking event or crisis service. Hosts volunteer their time and are not trained counsellors.
The idea offers people a straightforward opportunity to share a table and conversation.
Who Can Take Part and Where
Empty Chairs is open to everyone, giving pubs, cafés and community venues a simple way to welcome people who may want company.
As of writing, the campaign has recorded more than 2,215 events across 548 locations and 775 venues. Its reach also reflects a wider need. The UK’s Office for National Statistics reported that 23% of adults experienced loneliness often, always or some of the time in January 2026.
The figure rose to 27% among 16 to 29-year-olds and 28% among 30 to 49-year-olds, highlighting the relevance of this loneliness campaign in pubs in the UK.
How to Join the Empty Chairs Pub Campaign
Joining the Empty Chairs Pub Campaign requires little more than finding a suitable event and turning up. The initiative remains free for participants, keeping the focus on providing an accessible place for people to meet and talk.
People can search the campaign website using a town, city or postcode, or use its live map to see events taking place that day. Visitors can arrive any time after the advertised start and look for the host wearing orange.
They can stay for as long as they like, and nobody needs to explain their reason for attending or purchase anything. Hosts remain at the table for at least an hour after the stated start time.
Pubs and cafés can also take part as hosting venues through the campaign’s Venues page. Individuals can volunteer to host their own table without previous experience. They simply need a table, around an hour of their time and several spare chairs.
Organisations can contact Empty Chairs about partnership opportunities, and supporters can donate to help fund the volunteer-run campaign.
Helping the Empty Chairs Pub Campaign Reach Further
People can help the Empty Chairs Pub Campaign reach more communities simply by sharing it. Following @emptychairsuk, telling a local pub or café about the initiative, or passing its details to someone who may welcome company can help spread awareness.
Pubs and beer businesses can also introduce the campaign to their customers and local networks.
Important Note: If you or someone you know is struggling, Samaritans are available free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.
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