A Campaign to Tackle Loneliness
Empty Chairs
A community-led campaign inviting people to sit together at pub tables across the UK - no one has to sit alone.
What Is Empty Chairs?
Empty Chairs is a simple idea: each evening we book a small table in a pub and leave a few chairs empty - inviting anyone who wants company to join us. There's no pressure, no agenda, and no expectation to stay longer than you want.
Why We're Doing This
Loneliness affects people of all ages. Empty Chairs exists to create low-pressure spaces where real human connection can happen - even if it's just sitting together for a drink.
How It Fits the Chicken Rush Mission
Chicken Rush was built to help people connect in the real world. Empty Chairs is an extension of that mission.
Upcoming Empty Chairs Venues
| City | Venue | Address | Date | Time | Host |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | The Phoenix | Oxford Circus | Mon 19 Jan | 19:00 | Dean |
| London | The Rosemary Branch | Islington | Thu 22 Jan | 19:00 | Dean |
| Birmingham | The British Oak | Stirchley | Mon 26 Jan | 19:00 | Dean |
| London | Well & Bucket | 143 Bethnal Green Road, E2 7DG | Mon 26 Jan | 19:00 | Charlie |
| London | The Wheatsheaf | 2 Upper Tooting Road, SW17 7PG | Mon 26 Jan | 19:00 | Sips & Steps |
| Southampton | Raven & Bine | 16 Carlton Pl, SO15 2DY | Mon 26 Jan | 19:30 | James |
| Bromley | The Chequers | 177 Southborough Lane, BR2 8AP | Mon 26 Jan | 19:00 | Tasha |
| Reading | Bosco Lounge | 55 Crockhamwell Rd, Woodley, RG5 3JP | Mon 26 Jan | 19:00 | Chloe |
| Newbury | The Weirside | Merlion House, W Mills, RG14 5HP | Mon 26 Jan | 19:00 | Nicole |
| Pinner | The Case is Altered | High Rd Eastcote, HA5 2EQ | Mon 26 Jan | 19:00 | — |
| London | The Old George | Bethnal Green | Thu 29 Jan | 19:00 | Dean |
More locations will be added for the 26th. More venues coming soon. Check back regularly for updates.
What to Expect on the Night
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Turn up anytime from the listed start time
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Dean will always wait for an hour from the start time before leaving
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Stay for as long or as little as you like
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No sign-up required
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Friendly, low-pressure environment
Who Empty Chairs Is Open To
Everyone
How You Can Support the Campaign
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Come along and fill a chair
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Share the campaign with someone who might need it
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Suggest a venue or community group
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Partner with us as a pub or organisation
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•Submit a venue / location for a future date
Mental Health Support
Empty Chairs is about connection, not crisis support.
If you need immediate help, please contact Samaritans on 116 123 (UK).
FAQs
Do I need to sign up?
No sign-up required. Just turn up at the listed time and venue.
Is it free?
Yes, Empty Chairs is completely free. You only pay for your own drinks if you choose to have any.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. That's the whole point. Many people come alone, and that's exactly what we're here for.
What if no one else comes?
Dean will always be there for at least an hour from the start time. Even if it's just the two of you, that's still connection. And if no one else shows up, you've still had a chat and a drink - that's a win.
Join Us
Empty Chairs is about creating spaces where people can connect, without pressure or expectation. Come along, fill a chair, and see what happens.
