More people working from home maybe have a small impact for local restaurant/pubs etc. but i doubt it will be significant enough to revive somewhere with a "non-existent" local community.
The reason food/drink service does so well around offices is that there are 1000s of people in multi-floor offices in one area. All within 5-20mins walk of good places to go.
An average town may have more people, but they are spread over miles in houses or flats. Unless you live right in the town centre the convenience of going out to eat/drink is just not the same.
Popping out after work with friends (or just colleagues) is convenient for everyone as well. At home you have to round up your mates and all agree on a time.
The reason food/drink service does so well around offices is that there are 1000s of people in multi-floor offices in one area. All within 5-20mins walk of good places to go.
An average town may have more people, but they are spread over miles in houses or flats. Unless you live right in the town centre the convenience of going out to eat/drink is just not the same.
Popping out after work with friends (or just colleagues) is convenient for everyone as well. At home you have to round up your mates and all agree on a time.