Beavertown Brewery is on a mission to get Brits chatting with the launch of their playful new pub stools across various UK pubs. The brewery’s recent research reveals that over half of Brits (54%) are eager to expand their social circles, but over one in three (35%) aren’t sure how to go about it. In response, Beavertown has designed these eye-catching blue, skull-adorned stools as a way to break the ice and help people connect.
Located in nine UK pubs, these unique stools invite punters to ask, “Is this seat taken?”—an easy way to start a conversation with a stranger. The stools act as four-legged ice-breakers, encouraging those who take a seat to introduce themselves to the table and give everyone good old-fashioned British cheers. This simple gesture opens the door to new friendships and helps bring back the community spirit of pubs.
Interestingly, pubs are ranked as one of the top two places to initiate conversations with strangers, with 48% of Brits agreeing that pubs are the perfect place for these interactions.
To further support this initiative, Beavertown Brewery has teamed up with behavioral psychologist Katherine Templar Lewis. She shares practical tips on boosting confidence and making connections in pub settings. Katherine emphasizes that humans are inherently social creatures, and by encouraging people to connect in a pub environment, we’re reviving the tradition of pubs as community hubs.
Katherine’s tips include making eye contact, smiling to reduce stress, and participating in rituals like the British “cheers” to create bonding moments. She also advises embracing small talk and owning the awkwardness, as these actions can lead to meaningful connections.
Tom Rainsford, Marketing Director at Beavertown Brewery, added, “With our ‘Is This Seat Taken?’ campaign, we want to help people break the ice and connect over a pint. Even a quick cheer can be the start of a beautiful friendship.”
The “Is This Seat Taken?” campaign is live in selected London pubs and beyond from August 20th, inviting Brits to pull up a chair and get chatting.