Are you hoping to set up your own pub or bar business? Although it can be an incredibly rewarding experience, it’s wise to be prepared for ups and downs in the sector.
For many couples, individuals and families, an excellent pub or bar can be a great escape on a weekend, bank holiday or after work. Becoming your locals’ favourite hang out spot will earn you positive reviews and endless loyalty.
Whether you have visions of a family gastropub, a stylish city bar or a speakeasy, here are some tips to help you get started.
1. Create Your Brand Identity
Your brand identity will carry your business out into the world ready for customers to discover you.
Brand identity involves your colour scheme, brand logo, and any other aspects of your marketing, including tone of voice. By mastering these, you will entice customers to spend their money with you and memorise your brand identity.
If you need to create a brand logo for your business, you can use low cost resources like Canva to design your logo from scratch or by using their handy pre-made templates for your convenience.
2. Advertise on Social Media
Social media is a very powerful marketing tool and can be incredibly influential for exposing potential customers to your brand.
Businesses in the hospitality sector often produce highly interactive content on social media, and with a demographic that is often young, you may find that your content will become noticed quickly.
By posting videos on platforms like TikTok, you can earn marketing money back again through their Creator Fund and re-invest it in your company.
3. Create Drink Offers
For students, young people and football or sports fans, drinks offers can entice a crowd into your pub or bar effortlessly during quieter hours.
You could opt for a multibuy offer on shots, reduced price pints, a food and drink combo deal, or a themed deal for an occasion. The choice is yours!
You can also introduce pricing that changes according to the time of day, the day of the week, or the occasion. Many pubs and bars use event pricing during busy times or specific events to generate more profit.
4. Create a Bar Menu
Although most pubs and bars revolve around the drinks menu, incorporating food into your establishment will enable you to turn a higher profit.
Whether you go for a family friendly crowd pleasing menu of burgers and chips, or something more sophisticated, making your food and drinks outstanding and memorable will earn you a crowd of loyal customers in the long term.
5. Build a Children’s Play Area
If your pub or bar is family friendly, you might want to consider building a children’s play area outside. Not only will this entertain children whilst they wait for their food order, but it gives the adults ample time to catch up without needing to tend to the entertainment needs of their children.
Companies like Creative Play are dedicated to creating high quality outdoor play areas for businesses that will give every child free reign with their imagination.
Do you have any tips for setting up your own pub or bar? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!