Increasing Footfall - Top 10 Ideas to lift Spirits & Boost Profits
Reflections of a Reluctant Pub Landlady
Introduction – Increasing Footfall
You have to try lots of different and creative ways to bring people together and increase your footfall, in your venue. Over the years we had skittle competitions, bingo, meat raffles, open mics, beer festivals, lively quizzes, tribute acts, even craft fairs and pamper evenings. Some were really successful, others less so, and a lot depends on how you advertise it, your demographics, timing and cost.
However, there is a growing trend for people to go out for an activity-led evening, and so publicans needs to be really savvy about putting on activities that draw people in.
Here are 10 creative ideas to help your pub stand out and thrive, but I’m sure you can come up with plenty of your own quirky ideas: –
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Host a Themed Quiz Night
Pub quizzes are a classic, but why not add a fun twist with themed nights? From 80s music trivia to movie-themed quizzes or even local history, giving your quiz a unique angle will bring in new faces and keep your regulars coming back for more. Offer prizes like a free round or a meal voucher to keep the competitive spirit high!
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Get Creative with Cocktails
Craft cocktails aren’t just for trendy bars—customers love a unique drink, especially if it’s tied to your pub’s character or the season. Try launching a monthly “Cocktail Club” featuring a new range of drinks, or a DIY cocktail night where customers can mix and name their own creations. It’s a sure way to add some flair (and profit) to your drink’s menu.
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Embrace Local Collaborations
Partner with local producers, breweries, or artisans to host pop-up markets or tastings. Whether it’s a collaboration with a local gin distillery or featuring a food truck in your beer garden, these events bring fresh energy and give customers a reason to visit your pub while supporting local businesses. It’s a win-win for community spirit and your bottom line!
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Start a ‘Bring Your Own Vinyl’ Night
Instead of traditional live music, give your customers control over the soundtrack by hosting a Bring Your Own Vinyl night! Set up a record player behind the bar and invite guests to bring their favourite vinyl records. Each customer gets to hear their chosen album or track played, creating a diverse and nostalgic atmosphere. You can even have a sign-up sheet for “DJ slots” and offer drinks discounts for anyone who brings a vinyl to share. It’s a low-cost, interactive alternative to live music that sparks conversation and introduces people to new (or old) tunes!
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Launch a ‘Mug Club’ for Regulars
Instead of the typical loyalty card, create a “Mug Club” for your most loyal customers. Each member gets their own personalized mug (or tankard) hanging proudly behind the bar. Whenever they visit, their drink is served in their special mug, and they get a discount on certain drinks. It’s a quirky, personal way to make your regulars feel like VIPs, and the sight of those mugs on display will spark curiosity from new patrons who will want to join the club too.
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Introduce a ‘Board Game Bonanza’ Night
Create a cozy, social vibe by hosting a Board Game Bonanza once a week. Fill your pub with a variety of board games—everything from classics like Monopoly and Scrabble to quirkier options like Exploding Kittens, Catan, or Cards Against Humanity. Offer group discounts for tables playing games or create tournaments for popular games with fun prizes like bar tabs or pub merchandise. This event encourages customers to stay longer, have fun in groups, and enjoy a more laid-back but engaging atmosphere.
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Introduce ‘Pub Kitchen Takeovers’
Tired of the same old menu? Spice things up by inviting local chefs, food trucks, or pop-up eateries to take over your kitchen for a night. This adds variety to your food offering without a long-term commitment and creates buzz around your pub. Not only does it bring in foodies, but it keeps your regulars intrigued about what’s coming next!
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Host Charity Events and Fundraisers
Nothing brings people together like rallying around a good cause. Organize a charity event—a raffle, quiz, or even a pub walk—to support a local charity or community project. Not only will this bring positive attention to your pub, but it strengthens your bond with the community and brings in generous customers eager to support the cause.
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Create Signature Nights (Think Karaoke, Bingo, or Comedy)
Signature events are a great way to create memorable experiences and keep customers returning. Whether it’s a monthly comedy night, drag bingo, or even a retro karaoke night, having a regular, fun event that customers can look forward to creates excitement and gives your pub its own special vibe.
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Start a ‘Seasonal Pub Games Olympics’
Why not introduce a bit of friendly competition with a seasonal “Pub Games Olympics”? Each season, you can feature different quirky pub games—think of your own take on Taskmaster in the beer garden during the summer, or Spoof* or Beer Mat Flipping in the winter. Participants can accumulate points over the season, with a grand finale where the champion wins a prize or a special title (like “Pub Olympian of the Year”). This ongoing competition will keep customers coming back and create a lively, social atmosphere in your pub. Plus, it’s fun for all ages and adds some light-hearted energy to your venue!
*Spoof holds a special place in my heart—it’s how I got to know my partner who was a customer in my pub! He taught me how to play, and after a few rounds of Spoof (and a few drinks), we became friends, and, well, the rest is history. We sometimes Spoof for whose turn it is to do the washing up years later. Don’t know how to play – click here to find out!
Final Thoughts
The pub industry may be facing tough times, but that doesn’t mean you can’t innovate and bring fresh ideas to the table. By injecting fun, creativity, and a sense of community into your pub, you’ll not only lift the spirits of your customers but increase footfall and create new opportunities to boost profits. Whether it’s through themed events, local partnerships, or simply creating a warm, inviting atmosphere, small changes can lead to big wins. So get creative, and let’s raise a glass to your pub’s continued success!
