Attracting Families to Your Pub During Half-Term: A Guide for Publicans
Half-term holidays are an exciting time for families, but as a publican, they can also be a great opportunity to boost your pub’s business! Families are always on the lookout for somewhere fun, welcoming, and relaxing to spend time together. With a little creativity, you can turn your pub into a go-to spot for family-friendly meals and activities.
Let’s explore how you can attract families into your pub during half-term and keep them coming back long after the holidays end.
1. Create a Family-Friendly Menu
One of the easiest ways to draw families in is by offering a menu that appeals to kids and parents alike. A child-friendly menu is a great start! Think smaller portions of popular adult dishes, but with a fun twist. You could offer mini versions of your best-selling burgers, pies, or pizzas, as well as healthy options like salads, fruit cups, or veggie sticks.
Consider adding a few “kid’s specials” that are not only tasty but also visually appealing. Think rainbow veggie wraps, fun-shaped sandwiches, or smoothies served in quirky cups. Catering to dietary preferences (gluten-free, vegetarian, etc.) is important too, as many families now have specific dietary needs.
An important note: don’t forget the dessert! Kids love to indulge, so make sure you have a selection of sweet treats that will tempt the little ones—maybe something interactive like a DIY sundae bar, where kids can choose their own toppings.
2. Make Entertainment Part of the Experience
We all know that keeping kids entertained can be a challenge. But if you can provide entertainment, you’ll be turning your pub into a family destination, rather than just a place to eat. Activity packs with coloring sheets, puzzles, and crayons are simple and inexpensive ways to keep younger children occupied. For older kids, you might want to add board games, card games, or even a digital tablet with age-appropriate games available.
If you have the space, why not set up a small play area? A few toys, a soft-play corner, or even a “mini pub” with a toy bar could keep the little ones entertained while parents enjoy their meal. Even better, hosting a family event like a mini talent show or a quiz with prizes can get everyone involved and add an element of fun to their visit.
3. Host Family-Centered Pub Events
The holidays are the perfect time to bring some extra entertainment into your pub. If you want to stand out, think about hosting special events that the whole family can enjoy. You could schedule a “Kids’ Comedy Night” featuring a family-friendly comedian, or hire entertainers like magicians or balloon artists who are sure to captivate younger audiences.
A classic family favorite is a quiz night, and you can give it a twist by making it kid-friendly with fun questions about cartoons, animals, or pop culture. Another fun event could be a “treasure hunt” around your pub, with clues leading to small prizes, or a craft afternoon where kids can create their own little souvenirs to take home.
If you plan these events well in advance, make sure to promote them through social media and local channels so families can mark their calendars. The more unique and engaging your pub events, the more likely families will make your venue their first choice during half-term.
4. Create a Safe and Comfortable Environment
Families want to know that their children will be safe, so ensure your pub is well-equipped with the right facilities. Offering high chairs for little ones, booster seats for toddlers, and baby-changing facilities will go a long way in making your pub more attractive to families.
Keep in mind that cleanliness is key. Parents appreciate clean, well-maintained facilities—especially in high-traffic areas like bathrooms and play areas. It’s also important to have clear policies regarding health and safety, such as supervising children while playing or offering secure spaces for strollers.
Also, take a look at your seating arrangements. Are there comfortable booths or tables with enough space for a family? If you don’t already have one, you might want to consider offering a “family corner” with comfortable seating, allowing families to sit together and enjoy their meal in peace.
5. Offer Special Promotions to Attract Families
Everyone loves a deal! Half-term holidays are a perfect time to run special promotions that attract families. For example, offering a “Kids Eat Free” promotion or “2-for-1 Kids’ Meals” during certain times of the day can be a major draw. Or, you could create family meal deals, where parents can get a great value by ordering a meal for themselves and their children as a package.
If you’re running a busy pub with a lot of foot traffic, you could offer a free drink for parents when they order a kid’s meal. Discounts on family-sized sharing platters could also be a great option to encourage group visits.
To make these promotions even more successful, create a social media buzz by posting the offers online, and don’t forget to highlight them in local parenting groups or newsletters.
6. Engage with the Local Community
Publicans can really benefit from strengthening ties with their local communities. Building partnerships with schools, kids’ sports clubs, or even local libraries can help you reach out to families who are looking for things to do during half-term.
You could offer to sponsor local kids' sports teams and promote this on your social media platforms, or offer deals to members of these groups. A local school might be interested in hosting a fundraising event at your pub, which could bring in families from the surrounding area.
Making your pub known for being “family-friendly” can lead to word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied parents. Over time, this will help you build a loyal customer base.
7. Promote Your Family-Friendly Offerings Online
In the digital age, it’s crucial to advertise your pub’s family-friendly offerings online. Use your pub’s social media accounts to share upcoming events, menu specials, and promotions that are aimed at families. Post photos of happy families enjoying their meals, and tag them (with permission, of course) to help spread the word.
You can also update your website to include a dedicated “family” section that highlights your kid-friendly amenities, upcoming events, and special deals. Local listings and directories (such as Yelp or TripAdvisor) are also great places to mention that your pub is family-friendly.
8. The Power of Reviews
Finally, make sure to encourage families who visit to leave reviews. Parents are likely to trust the experiences of others when choosing a place to eat with their children. By consistently providing excellent service and family-friendly amenities, you can gather positive reviews that will further solidify your pub’s reputation as a great place for families during half-term and beyond.
Conclusion
Attracting families to your pub during half-term holidays can be a rewarding strategy for any publican. By offering a kid-friendly menu, fun entertainment, and hosting exciting pub events, you can create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that families will love. Don’t forget to promote your family-focused initiatives and specials both online and offline, and always ensure that your pub is a safe and comfortable environment for all ages.
So, are you ready to make your pub the place to be this half-term? The possibilities are endless!