Meeting new people or breaking out of a friend bubble can be hard, and approaching a stranger can feel vulnerable and awkward. Recognizing this, Beavertown Brewery's "Is This Seat Taken?" campaign has placed bar stools in nine pubs across the UK to encourage patrons to start conversations with strangers. These stools — which are definitely eye-catching and hard to miss — act as physical icebreakers. When someone wants to sit down or grab the stool for another table, they're encouraged to introduce themselves and offer a friendly "cheers."
Developed by PR agency Here Be Dragons, the campaign aims to create opportunities for patrons to connect with one another, even if they initially feel uncomfortable or unsure of what to say. According to a survey commissioned by the brewery, 42% of British people say they wouldn't feel confident enough to start a conversation with a stranger. To nudge them out of their comfort zone, Beavertown also shares tips from psychologist Katherine Templar Lewis. Her advice includes maintaining eye contact, smiling, engaging in small talk about topics like the weather or pets, and embracing the potentially awkward moments.
By transforming a simple bar stool into a catalyst for conversation, Beavertown Brewery reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful interactions begin with a simple "Hello," or "Is this seat taken?" As communities seek ways to combat loneliness and foster social bonds, this creative approach offers a template for the role businesses can play in bringing people together, one shared moment at a time.