Weekly event ideas for your pub

You’ll need to consider ways to attract customers to your pub and keep them coming back, time and time again.

12:21 29 January 2024

There’s no doubt that running a pub can be challenging, with various aspects to consider such as staffing, getting the right licences and suppliers. Some owners might also choose to take out pub insurance which could act as an extra buffer against risk.

Once the basics are taken care of, you’ll need to consider ways to attract customers to your pub and keep them coming back, time and time again.

While many pubs rely on locals to bring in the custom, it’s also wise to expand your target market to a bit further afield. This could be by offering a high-quality selection of meals including Sunday roasts or by providing a wide range of ales from different areas of the country.

Another idea is to offer themed events every week, so your customers always have something new to look forward to.

If you’re struggling to know where to begin, take a look at these top ideas:

Karaoke

A firm favourite among all ages, hosting a karaoke night is sure to attract customers both new and existing. Ensure you hire professional equipment and organise properly to prevent that one person from hogging the mike all evening!

Karaoke makes for fantastic entertainment and it’s always a great excuse to keep the drinks flowing. You could even pair the event with some speciality drinks for a karaoke and cocktail evening.

Quiz nights

You can’t go wrong with a well-organised quiz night. You’ll need to choose your rounds carefully and decide on a host. It’s also wise to make sure the tables are set up so that every team can see and hear what’s going on.

Don’t forget to include tiebreakers should there be a draw and offer prizes to the winners. These could be vouchers to use in-house, free drinks or cash.

Embrace special occasions

Events such as Valentine's Day, Christmas, Bonfire Night and Halloween are great opportunities to host alternative, themed evenings. You could offer things like specialist menus, candle-lit dining, firework displays and fun family activities, depending on the occasion and your capacity. If you have the space, utilise any outdoor areas by adding child-friendly games or attractions like a bouncy castle and face-painting during the day, especially if an event falls in the summer months.

Host a live music event

Pubs make excellent venues for local and upcoming singers and bands. Consider hosting a live music evening, giving local musicians the chance to showcase their talent. You’ll also attract a lively crowd who want to show their support while enjoying a night of great food and drink.

Other ideas include a weekly curry night, wine-tasting evening or games night.

Whatever kind of event you choose to host, consider whether guests need to book or just turn up and always make sure you have enough staff behind the bar to cater to their needs.