12th May 2023

The Benefits of Hosting Events and Special Nights at Your Pub

If you run or own a pub and you’re not already hosting events and special nights once in a while, you’re seriously missing out. Whilst the humble pub can just be a place to relax, grab a drink and eat some food, it’s got the potential to be so much more than that…

Transforming Your Pub into a Community Hub

One of the key benefits of hosting events and special nights at your pub is the ability to transform your establishment into a thriving community hub. By offering a diverse range of activities, you create a welcoming atmosphere that caters to various interests, age groups, and preferences, fostering a sense of belonging among your patrons.

Increasing Footfall and Revenue

Events and special nights are essential for driving footfall to your pub, attracting new customers and encouraging existing ones to return more frequently. With increased footfall comes the potential for increased revenue through drink and food sales and any associated event fees.

Building Brand Awareness and Customer Loyalty

By hosting events and special nights, you establish a unique selling point that sets your pub apart from the competition, especially if the competition isn’t hosting any nights or events. This enables you to create a strong brand identity and develop customer loyalty, as your patrons associate your pub with memorable experiences and entertainment. They’ll be more likely to come to any future events you host if they have a good time, making sure to look out for any on social media and bring their friends to enjoy it as well.

Showcasing Local Talent

Hosting events and special nights presents an excellent opportunity to showcase local talent, be it musicians, comedians, or artists. By supporting local talent, you contribute to the vibrancy of your community and can establish your pub as a vital platform for emerging performers.

Live band at the old swan pub in paisley

Examples of Events and Special Nights

Here are some popular event and special night ideas that can be tailored to your pub’s unique offerings:

Live Music Nights: Regular live music nights can attract a diverse audience and create a buzzing atmosphere. Consider hosting open mic nights or partnering with local bands and artists for performances.

Quiz Nights: Quiz nights are a classic pub event that encourages group participation and creates a fun, competitive environment. Offer prizes and incentives to keep teams coming back for more.

Charity Events: Hosting charity events not only supports worthy causes but also demonstrates your pub’s commitment to the local community. Consider fundraising events, auctions, or sponsored challenges.

Games Nights: Bingo night is a great idea for a regular games night that you can host, though you can always mix it up.

Karaoke Nights: If you’re struggling with trying to put on regular live music nights, karaoke nights can be just as much fun for a fraction of the cost. Your pub will still get a live show (although it might be from an off-key drunk patron!) whilst your pub-goers will get to participate themselves.

Karaoke

Psychic Nights: If you’re wanting to do something a little out of the ordinary, hosting a psychic/medium night can provide a unique and engaging experience for pub-goers,

Drag Shows: There’s a reason why drag shows are so popular – they’re hilarious, creative, and immensely over the top. Hiring a Drag Queen or King to perform in your pub for a night can certainly boost the atmosphere and create a lot of ticket sales.

Seasonal Events: Christmas events, New Year’s Eve parties and Easter fun – seasonal events are massive money-makers for pubs, so you’ll need to make sure you’re factoring them into your schedule and planning something big for each.

There are plenty of other nights/events you can host, the possibilities are endless when it comes to providing entertainment in your pub, no matter your pub’s demographic.

Promoting Your Events and Special Nights

To maximise the benefits of hosting events and special nights at your pub, it’s crucial to develop an effective promotional strategy. Here are some tips for spreading the word about your events:

Social Media: Utilise social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share event details, images, and updates. Engage with your audience by responding to comments, questions, and feedback.

Local Press and Event Listings: Reach out to local newspapers, radio stations, and online event listings to ensure your events are included in relevant entertainment guides.

In-Pub Promotion: Display eye-catching posters and flyers in your pub to inform patrons of upcoming events. Ensure your staff are well-informed about events and can answer any questions customers may have.

 

If you’re a Trust Inns tenant, we offer marketing support, so make sure to contact us if you’re having trouble with promoting your events or even planning them. We’re here to guide you every step of the way when it comes to running your pub. If you’re not a Trust Inns tenant but would like to be, then make sure to take a look at our pubs to let, if you see any in your area, get started with the enquiry process and you might soon be hosting some of these events at your very own pub.

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