Viral pub meet-up comes to Derby pub in loneliness-busting campaign
The global campaign has seen people from across the world get involved.
An initiative raising awareness of loneliness and isolation is sweeping across the world - and a Derby pub is set to play host to a meet-up next week.
The community-led campaign invites people to gather at designated pubs and sit together so that no one has to sit alone.
Ria Ghei is co-ordinating a meet-up at Suds & Soda pub in Derby city centre at 7pm on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.
Dean Perryman, co-founder of Empty Chairs, started the loneliness-busting campaign in December 2025 after losing his friend Rob to suicide.
He embarked on a mission to ‘create spaces where people could connect and feel less alone’.
Dean kickstarted the initiative by sitting at a table in his local pub, with the hope of chatting to anyone who wanted company.
Realising people were hesitant to talk with strangers, he decided wearing a bright orange hoodie might make himself easier to spot and more approachable.
He then started reserving tables where anyone could join freely without pressure or obligation.
What started as an informal idea to dispel loneliness snowballed into a global movement attracting over 45,000 Instagram followers and 250+ hosts across the world.
What is astonishing about this movement is the number of people that the campaign has rapidly struck a chord with, in such a short space of time. It seems loneliness and isolation is a worldwide affliction that people the world over empathise with and seek ways to dispel.
Canada, the US, Australia and Norway are among countries hosting Empty Chairs sessions.
People who want to host a session wear a bright orange item of clothing and leave empty seats at a table with the hope of inviting strangers to join in conversation.
Loneliness affects people of all ages; according to Office for National Statistics, almost a quarter (23%) of adults reported feeling lonely often, always or some of the time.
In addition, a loneliness report commissioned by COHO found more than half of people who experience loneliness (57%) feel it at least once a week. For 16%, it's every single day.
This goes back to the central point that loneliness is not occasional but persistent and widespread.
This is where Empty Chairs has stepped up to create ‘low-pressure’ spaces where real human connection can be fostered, even if it is just sitting together for one drink.
For those looking to attend the Derby Empty Chairs evening, look out for the host who will wear an orange top and head to that table. There is no need to sign up, just turn up from 7pm onwards.
Location: Suds & Soda, Friary Works, 119 Friar Gate, Derby DE1 1EX
For more information about Empty Chairs click here: emptychairs.org.uk