A DEGANWY Pub is offering a warm welcome to those struggling or feeling lonely this festive season. 

The Castle View Bar and Restaurant is inviting people to get together at their venue on Wednesday mornings. From 11am until 12pm, the pub will be putting on tea, coffee, mince pies and cake or homemade shortbreads.

Like-minded people have the opportunity to form friendships, exchange a book, a recipe, show photographs, play cards, or enjoy a "good old gossip". There is no charge. 

The first 'Don't Be Lonely' hour took place on Wednesday, December 7. 

Chris Turton, manager of the pub, said: "We were reflecting on the scale of loneliness, which can have such an impact not just on certain age groups but on a wide range of people in the UK who live in difficult circumstances. We take great pride in providing a warm and kind welcome at the Castle View pub and we want to send a message out to say 'come and join us, our door is open.'

"We all got together and discussed people we know who have suffered loneliness and decided to open our doors every Wednesday morning 11am until 12pm for people just wanting some important social time with other people in similar circumstances.

"We feel that pubs across the UK in the heart of villages should play a vital part in helping tackling loneliness or simply show a little kindness especially during the festive period and winter months when the days are short and cold and meeting up with people for walks isn’t a desirable thing to do this time of year, especially for the elderly."

People of all ages are invited to the event.

"We want to give people the chance to exchange a book, a recipe, photographs or simply have a gossip together over a board game," Chris added. 

"There is no charge for kindness and will not be charging a penny to anyone who wants to join us.

"We had one lady who came in to see us on Wednesday morning and she received a warm welcome and was very grateful for a warm cup of coffee, lemon drizzle cake and a half hour chat. She left with a smile on her face with the aim of helping us spread the word as not everyone will see this through social media."

The pub intends on contacting churches and community centres in the hope of advertising their 'Don't Be Lonely' mornings.

Chris added: "After a hard and lonely time during the pandemic we would like to offer back a little kindness and a warm welcome to everyone.

"This will continue into the new year and beyond as there is always someone who will benefit from what we are doing."

Chris credited Nicky Scally, operations manager, who came up with the idea.

Chris added: "Nicky has been at the pub from the beginning, for 15 years, and the idea started with a thought from herself.

"We’ve all got behind it very strongly."