A Swindon pub will be opening its doors this Christmas in a bid to tackle loneliness in the town.

Hall & Woodhouse is offering a complimentary three-course meal for locals who will be spending Christmas alone this year and the Wichelstowe venue is one of 50 managed houses from Devon to Hertfordshire taking part in the Community Christmas Table initiative.

The concept promises to host Christmas dinner for more than 300 people in the UK who would otherwise be alone on Christmas Day.

Those benefitting from the initiative will be able to come together with other people in a similar situation to enjoy a free Christmas lunch with a drink of their choice and some jolly community spirit.

In Swindon, Hall & Woodhouse Wichelstowe has a table reserved for six people on Christmas Day.

Matt Woodhouse, regional manager for Managed Houses at Hall & Woodhouse, said: “The community sits at the heart of our purpose at Hall & Woodhouse and making everyone feel at home in our pubs is something we strive to achieve every day.

"We know that Christmas can be a difficult time for some, and the day can be shadowed by grief and loneliness. With that in mind, it’s important to us that we offer a warm and welcoming space to be on Christmas Day for those who find themselves alone this season.

"Collectively across the estate, we anticipate that the value of this investment into the communities we operate in will be over £25,000, as we hope to support hundreds of people in need.”

Places for Hall & Woodhouse’s ‘Community Christmas Table’ initiative are secured on a first come, first serve basis, with waiting lists available in case of cancellation. Guests can request a seat for themselves or be nominated by another party.

To get in touch, simply call, email, or direct message one of the participating pubs on social media.

Hall & Woodhouse is an independent Dorset family company that brews award winning Badger Ales and Outland Beers and runs an estate of high-quality pubs across the south of England.

The company was founded in 1777 by Charles Hall, a Dorset farmer, who opened a Brewery in the village of Ansty.

After more than 245 years, the company remains family owned, with Anthony Woodhouse and Mark Woodhouse both in the business as the current seventh generation stewards.

Visit www.hall-woodhousewichelstowe.co.uk to find out the contact details