A well-known Liverpool city centre pub will undergo a temporary name change this week as part of a nationwide campaign by Heineken. The Cross Keys on Earle Street is set to be renamed 'The Office' starting this Thursday, October 9, in a move designed to encourage colleagues to socialise after work.
The initiative is accompanied by an offer for a free pint of Heineken or Heineken 0.0, available at over 1,000 pubs across England throughout October. The campaign highlights a shift in workplace social habits following the rise of hybrid working models.
Key Takeaways
- The Cross Keys on Earle Street in Liverpool will be temporarily renamed 'The Office' from Thursday, October 9.
- The renaming is part of a Heineken campaign to promote after-work socialising among colleagues.
- A voucher for a free pint of Heineken or Heineken 0.0 is available for office workers in England throughout October.
- The campaign is supported by survey data indicating a decline in post-work socialising since the pandemic.
- Four other pubs in London, Manchester, and Glasgow are also being temporarily renamed.
Details of the 'The Office' Campaign
The Cross Keys, a popular venue for office workers in Liverpool's business district, is one of five pubs across the UK selected for the temporary rebranding. The name change to 'The Office' is a direct nod to its target audience and the campaign's central theme of reconnecting coworkers in a social setting.
This is not the first time the pub has seen a temporary name change. In 2022, it was renamed 'The Golden Eagle' during the filming of the Paramount+ television series Sexy Beast, which used the location for several scenes.
The current initiative by Heineken aims to bring back the tradition of after-work drinks, which the company suggests has been impacted by modern work practices.
How to Claim a Free Drink
As part of the promotion, office workers in England can claim a voucher for a free pint of Heineken or its non-alcoholic alternative, Heineken 0.0. The offer is valid from Monday to Friday throughout October, starting at 4:59 p.m. each day.
- Workers can sign up online to receive a digital voucher.
- The voucher can be shared with up to three colleagues.
- Each person can redeem one free pint at participating pubs.
For those in Scotland and Wales, the promotion offers a chance to win limited-edition Heineken merchandise by scanning an in-pub QR code or visiting the campaign website after 4:59 p.m.
Other Pubs in the Campaign
Alongside Liverpool's Cross Keys, four other city centre pubs have been selected for the temporary name change:
- Two Bridges, Bermondsey, London
- Devonshire Arms, Duke Street, London
- The Atlas Bar, Deansgate, Manchester
- Admiral Woods, Waterloo Street, Glasgow
The Rise of Hybrid Working and Its Social Impact
Heineken's campaign is backed by research it commissioned to understand the social dynamics of the modern workplace. The survey, conducted by OnePoll in August 2025, polled 1,008 UK office workers and revealed significant changes in how colleagues interact.
The data shows that while 22 million people across the UK still enjoy socialising with colleagues after work, this figure has seen a 5% reduction compared to pre-pandemic levels. The shift to hybrid working appears to be a major contributing factor.
Key Survey Findings
- 46% of hybrid workers feel they miss out on post-work social activities.
- 58% of Gen Z hybrid workers have never met some of their colleagues in person.
- 72% of Gen Z employees agree that the best place to build work relationships is outside the office.
The Pub as a Place for Connection and Ideas
The survey also highlighted the perceived benefits of socialising in a pub environment. A significant 78% of all workers polled stated that after-work socialising is a good way to meet new people and build professional contacts.
Furthermore, the informal setting of a pub seems to foster more open communication and creativity. Nearly a third of respondents (32%) said they have their most honest conversations at the pub, while 74% of Gen Z workers claimed they have their best work-related ideas during post-work social events rather than in the office.
Nabil Nasser, Global Head of Heineken, commented on the motivation behind the campaign.
"The return-to-office chat continues to stir up debate. After years of video calls and virtual cheers it’s safe to say that while we might not miss the office, we’ve certainly missed those real, in-person laughs with our colleagues. At Heineken, we’ve always believed the best moments happen when people get together, so this month we’re raising our pints to ‘circling back’ to our colleagues – at the pub."
A Popular Hub for Liverpool's Business District
The Cross Keys is strategically located on Earle Street, placing it at the heart of Liverpool's commercial district. Its proximity to major office locations such as St Paul’s Square, Old Hall Street, and Tithebarn Street has made it a long-standing favourite for professionals in the area.
The pub's selection for this high-profile campaign underscores its role as a central social hub for the city's business community. The temporary renaming and drink offer are expected to draw significant attention from nearby workers throughout October.