Turning local ideas into lasting community impact.
Working alongside local people, businesses and organisations to reduce rural isolation, strengthen our local economy and create opportunities for everyone to belong.
Our story
When we became landlords of The Halfway, we thought we were simply taking on a village pub. What we discovered was something much bigger. Through conversations across the bar, we met people looking for connection, support and a place where they truly belonged.
Drawing on years of experience in youth and community work — and a shared passion for bringing people together — Pubtopia CIC was born (registered CIC, number 16276297).
Today, Pubtopia is a growing community of people, businesses and organisations working together to reduce rural isolation, improve wellbeing and create opportunities for everyone to connect, belong and thrive.
Every visit, every workshop, every stay and every purchase helps write the next chapter of the story.
From a small community shop to a whole programme of projects.
Community Shop
Everyday essentials and local produce, close to home.
Creative workshops
Led by independent local artists and makers.
Dementia-friendly sessions
Relaxed, welcoming and non-clinical.
CPR & defibrillator training
Practical skills that matter in a rural village.
Bell Tent Stays & the Pit Stop
Simple stays and a rest point for people passing through.
Coming next
Comedy nights, and future respite breaks launching in 2027.
Rhi Metters
Founder of Pubtopia and landlady of The Halfway.
Rhi has spent more than 20 years working with children, young people and families across social services, education, residential care and community projects. She holds degrees in Youth & Community Work and Contemporary Craft, and has always believed people grow through connection, creativity and opportunity.
When Rhi and her partner became landlords of The Halfway, she thought she had left community work behind. Instead, it found her again — the conversations happening across the bar revealed rural isolation, loneliness, disappearing local services and a real need for people to feel connected.
Pubtopia was born from those conversations. Today, every workshop, shop purchase, Bell Tent Stay and new project is another way of bringing people together, supporting local businesses and artists, caring for the environment and helping the rural community thrive.
"Pubtopia didn't begin with a business plan. It began with listening to people and asking, 'What can we do to help?'"
Rhi Metters, Founder
Built with a network of local makers.
Pubtopia's workshop programme has been delivered with independent artists and makers from across South Wales and the borders. A few of those who've already led sessions at The Halfway:
Want to get involved?
Whether you're a local resident, supplier, funder or partner, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in Touch