Survival psychologist explains why the pub REALLY is the safest place in a Halloween zombie apocalypse

• Two out of five Brits say they’d head to the pub in a zombie apocalypse

•  A third say the pub quiz team captain would be the most useful person

• Staff at The Acorn in Accrington, Lancs put through their paces 

A renowned survival psychologist has revealed that the local pub could genuinely be Britain’s safest place to ride out a zombie apocalypse this Halloween.

Dr Sarita Robinson, Associate Dean of Psychology at the University Of Lancashire, and known as “Dr Survival” says there is real scientific credibility behind the nation’s instinct to head to the pub when things get scary.

 

Dr Robinson, who has spent more than 20 years studying how humans respond to fear and disaster, claims the pub’s mix of familiarity, leadership and laughter makes it the perfect setting for survival.

She says: “From a psychological point of view, the pub ticks every box.

“It’s familiar, social and full of people who know how to pull together. When we face fear as a group, our brains release oxytocin – the bonding hormone that lowers stress and boosts trust.

“The science is the same whether you’re dealing with a flood, a fire, or a full-blown zombie attack.

“When danger hits, the body floods with different neurochemicals. These can help you run fast, but it can also scramble clear thinking. Preparation and laughter are the two biggest antidotes – they help the brain override fear.

Her insight echoes the instincts of the characters in cult classic Shaun Of The Dead, who famously barricaded themselves inside their local, The Winchester, when zombies attacked.

Dr Robinson jokes: “They had the right idea – stay calm, stick with your mates and keep the beer flowing.”

 

As a result, Dr Sarita has been training real-life Marston’s pub teams on how to cope with a zombie apocalypse this Halloween.

Staff at The Acorn in Accrington were put through their paces recently.

It comes as a new study by the pub chain discovered that two out of five (39%) Brits would head straight to the boozer in the event of a zombie apocalypse, ahead of the supermarket (33%), staying at home (14%) and a military base (13%).

 

• Half (50%) of Brits believe their local landlord has the right skills to lead them through the apocalypse.
• One in four (28%) even ‘strongly believe’ they’d personally survive, with women marginally more confident than men.

 

Dr Robinson says: “Your landlord is probably the best crisis manager you’ll ever meet.

“I’ve studied professionals who deal with extreme stress every day and the great British landlord already has many of those same instincts. They read people, they stay calm, and they’re the first to bring everyone together when things go wrong. That’s exactly what survival psychology is all about.”

When asked which famous Brits they would most like to face a zombie apocalypse with, the nation’s top choice was the calming presence of Holly Willoughby (14%).

She is followed by the quick-thinking rap king Stormzy (12%), and rugged and resourceful film hardman Tom Hardy (11%) in third.

When asked which pub regulars would be most useful, the pub quiz team captain (29%) topped the list, followed by the landlord (22%) and bar staff (22%).

Pubs were also rated for their practical strengths, with a third (33%) citing strong doors and locks, one in four (24%) praising the community spirit, and 22% voting for the ready supply of beer and snacks as key survival advantages.

Over 1,000 of Marston’s pubs will be serving a limited-edition Halloween Zombie cocktail that packs a spooky punch this October, while selected sites will be offering a spine-tingling limited time themed menu.

Dr Robinson adds: “If you can keep your head in a zombie apocalypse, you can handle anything – and where better to practise than the pub? It’s about staying calm, making good decisions quickly and keeping everyone working together. After all, laughter, lager and a solid escape plan are a winning combination.”

 

John Green, Director of operations for the North said: “Our pub teams are superstars who cope with almost anything with a calm and level head – but this might be the first time we’ve prepared them for zombies.

“It’s a fun way to celebrate Halloween, but there’s a serious message underneath: our teams are brilliant under pressure and our pubs bring people together.”

Dr Survival’s top tips for surviving a zombie apocalypse in the pub

1. Prep before the panic

“Stock up early – not just on beer but on water, first-aid kits and snacks. Nobody makes smart decisions on an empty stomach.

 

2. Know your exits

“When fear strikes, people can freeze or run the wrong way. Treat your pub like a fortress – identify exits, cover windows and maybe pick the stool nearest the fire door.”

 

3. Brush up on first aid – before you need it

“The worst time to learn first aid is after someone’s been bitten. Practising first aid gives your brain an automatic shortcut under stress. You’ll save precious seconds – and maybe your pint.”

 

4. Stick together – it’s science

“When we face fear as a group, the body releases oxytocin, the bonding hormone that helps people stay calm and cooperate. It’s biological proof that hiding out in the pub with friends is a smart move.”

 

5. Keep morale on tap

“Psychological stamina wins survival. Humour, music and community bonding keep spirits high and fear low. In other words – keep the jokes flowing as freely as the ale.”

The celebs Brits most want to experience a zombie apocalypse with