There’s a certain kind of magic that happens in pubs. A low hum of conversation, the earthy scent of old wood and fresh coffee, sunlight bending through frosted windows. Traditionally, these were places to unwind after a long day, to toast with friends or steal a quiet moment at the bar. But recently, something quietly revolutionary has taken root: people are going to pubs to work.
It’s called pub desking, and it’s more than a clever trend. It’s a reflection of how the world of work is shifting—away from cubicles and corner offices, and toward something warmer, more human, and in many ways, more sustainable.
What is pub desking?
Pub desking is exactly what it sounds like: working from a pub. But this isn’t just a guy with a laptop and a lukewarm beer squatting in a corner. Increasingly, pubs are formally offering remote workers a place to set up shop during the day. Think of it as a cozy coworking space, but with Guinness on tap and lunch that doesn’t come from a vending machine.
From high-speed Wi-Fi to bottomless coffee, these establishments are rolling out the red carpet to freelancers, digital nomads, and hybrid workers who crave more than just another day at home or in the cublicle.
The roots of pub desking go deeper than the pandemic, but it’s fair to say that 2020 gave the idea wings. As office buildings emptied and living rooms turned into conference rooms, people began to yearn for something in between. The isolation of remote work was real. So was the fatigue of endless Zoom calls in the same four walls.
Meanwhile, pubs were struggling. Lockdowns and shifting health regulations forced many to close their doors or limit capacity. The midday hours (once dormant) became a new frontier. If the pub couldn’t survive on evening pints alone, why not transform it into a daytime refuge for workers?
This mutual need birthed something entirely fresh. A solution not born in boardrooms or Silicon Valley, but in local communities, where barkeeps and creatives share the same Wi-Fi password.
What makes pub desking work?
The first and most important ingredient is reliable internet. No one wants their video call dropping mid-pitch. Many pubs now offer upgraded broadband connections to handle the traffic.
Next come power outlets. Some venues have even added communal charging stations or extension cords running beneath long oak benches.
Then there’s comfort. You’d be surprised how many pubs have seating that rivals coworking lounges. Soft lighting, wide tables, and cozy booths create an inviting space to settle in and focus.
But let’s not forget what makes a pub, a pub: food, drinks, and atmosphere. Many pub desking setups include a day pass with unlimited coffee or tea, lunch specials, and even a pint once the workday winds down. For example, BrewDog offers packages that include all of the above, plus a community of like-minded nomads to share it with.
Benefits for workers
For the remote worker tired of their apartment walls, pub desking breaks the monotony. The walk to a neighborhood pub replaces a daily commute. You get the energy of being out in the world without the pressure of a formal office.
Plus, it builds community. Even without direct interaction, the background noise of a pub feels more human than the silence of a solo home office. When people do connect over coffee, a shared power strip, or a mutual freelance gig, the sense of camaraderie is genuine.
Lastly, pub desking is affordable. Compared to premium coworking spaces with monthly fees, pub desking is often pay-as-you-go. Some pubs offer full access for the price of a couple of coffees. And you get a warm lunch out of it.
Benefits for pubs
This isn’t a one-sided romance. For pubs, pub desking opens new doors.
Midday traffic (usually a slow period) is now a bustling time. Workers trickle in at 9 AM, order coffee and toast, and stay for lunch or even dinner. That’s a whole new revenue stream without changing the evening model.
Additionally, customer loyalty builds naturally. A worker who spends three days a week at the same pub is far more likely to return on weekends with friends.
Public perception also changes. A pub that opens its doors to the work-from-anywhere crowd becomes more than just a watering hole. It becomes a local hub, part of the new professional ecosystem.
What are the challenges of pub desking?
Of course, no concept is perfect. Noise levels can be unpredictable. While many pubs adjust their music and layout during working hours, others may find it tricky to create a truly productive atmosphere.
Infrastructure limitations matter too. Not every pub is wired for twenty people streaming HD video and plugging in laptops. Owners may need to upgrade routers or install new outlets.
Additionally, pubs may experience challenges with balancing identities. A pub’s regular patrons may not love seeing laptops take over their favorite booths. It’s a delicate dance to cater to both the digital crowd and the after-work pint crew.
Will pub desking become a larger phenomenon?
Pub desking isn’t just a post-COVID fad. It’s part of a larger movement toward flexible work culture, where traditional office hours and spaces are no longer the rule. We’re seeing the rise of “third places.” These are environments that aren’t home or the office. Yet they support professional work in a more organic, community-oriented setting.
In the coming years, we can expect:
- Booking platforms that let you reserve a pub desk in advance, complete with ratings and features listed.
- Membership models across cities and even countries, like a digital coworking pass.
- Technology integration, such as QR code menus, workspace apps, and virtual meetups with other pub workers.
Find an opportunity to work on your own terms
Beyond pubs, the idea may spread. Cafes, hotel lobbies, and even bookstores could follow suit. Pub desking isn’t a rejection of the office. It’s a reclamation of the workplace. A way of saying that work can happen anywhere, even in places that feed the soul while we feed our deadlines.
In a world moving faster by the day, perhaps we don’t just need new technology or policy changes. Maybe we need more places like this. So the next time you pack your laptop and wonder where to work, look not toward the clouds of corporate towers. Look to the corner pub. The one with the Wi-Fi password on the chalkboard and the kettle always on. It might just be the best office you’ve ever had.
Looking for an opportunity to make it happen? Sign up with EnRoute Jobs today to begin searching for remote and flexible jobs that allow you the freedom to work on your own terms.
