How to Build a Community in Your Craft Union Pub: A Guide for Operators
Running a successful Craft Union pub isn’t just about pulling the perfect pint, it’s about pulling people together. If you’re an operator or general manager looking to build a vibrant, loyal community around your pub, you’re in exactly the right place.
Craft Union pubs thrive when they become the beating heart of the neighbourhood, a place where everyone feels welcome, heard, and valued. Whether you're taking over a new site or looking to reinvigorate your existing venue, here’s how to create that sense of belonging that keeps people coming back (and bringing their mates).
Let’s talk community-building, with a Craft Union twist.
Start With ‘Why’ and Let That Shape Your Events
First up: why are you here?
Craft Union operators aren’t just managers, they’re community leaders. Whether you’re taking on a local boozer or a city-centre hotspot, your mission is to run a pub that supports people, brings them together, and offers more than just a drink.
So ask yourself: who is your pub for?
Are young professionals looking for quiz nights and craft beer? Are it families who want somewhere friendly for weekend lunches? Is it the loyal regulars who love a meat raffle and a strong bitter?
Use that insight to shape your events. A great operator doesn’t just copy what everyone else is doing, they curate a calendar based on what the community needs and wants.
👉 Pro tip: run a poll on your pub’s social media or do a comment box at the bar. Ask your community what they want you to do.
Make Your Pub Feel Like a Safe Space
Being welcoming isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of a great Craft Union community. You want every person, no matter their background, age, or identity, to feel safe and included in your space.
Put up signage about respect and behaviour standards.
Host events that celebrate inclusivity: Pride nights, neurodiverse-friendly afternoons, or community group meetings.
Train your team on welcoming first-time guests and recognising when someone might need a friendly face.
Remember: people don’t return to places, they return to feelings. And if your pub makes them feel accepted, they’ll keep coming back.
Be Hyper-Local in Everything You Do
One of the most powerful ways Craft Union general managers can build community is by going hyper-local. Think beyond just being a pub, become a local partner.
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Sponsor the local football or netball team.
Host a charity quiz for a cause close to your area.
Shout out to local businesses on your social media.
Offer your function room (if you have one!) to community groups.
The more you’re woven into the fabric of your local area, the more you’ll become part of people’s weekly routines.
👉 Bonus tip: Run a “Local Legends” campaign where you spotlight a different regular each month. Great for content, even better for relationships.
Create Social Media That Feels Like a Community Noticeboard
You’re not just building a pub community in real life, you’re building one online, too.
As a Craft Union operator, your pub’s Facebook and Instagram pages should feel alive. Like the digital version of your bar. Warm, chatty, and filled with useful stuff.
Here’s what to post:
Photos of real customers (with permission!) enjoying your events.
Community news: "Local school raffle? We’re donating a bottle of wine!"
Polls, shout-outs, and birthday wishes.
Sneak peeks of what’s coming next: “New darts league incoming 🎯”
Think of social media as your virtual front door, it should always be open and welcoming.
Consistency Is Key...So Build a Ritual
We all love a bit of routine. One of the best things you can do as a general manager is create predictable joy, regular events that become part of people’s lives.
It could be:
Thursday quiz nights
Friday karaoke
Monthly bingo afternoons
When people know what to expect and look forward to, you’ll soon have a pub that feels like a second home.
Consistency breeds trust, and trust builds community.
Empower Your Team to Be Community Hosts
Here’s a secret: the best Craft Union operators don’t do it alone.
Your team are your community ambassadors. Train them, trust them, and let them shine.
Encourage your team to:
Greet regulars by name.
Learn people’s “usuals” (and have them ready!).
Be involved in social media and event planning.
Suggest new ideas, they might surprise you!
A team that loves the pub will help your community love it, too.
Measure It! Track What Works
You’re a community builder and a business person. So keep an eye on what’s working and what’s not.
Track:
Drink sales linked to events
Social media engagement
Customer feedback
Use that data to evolve. Maybe your Tuesday quiz needs a theme night. Be flexible, learn from your punters, and adapt.
Final Word: You're Not Just Running a Pub, You're Creating a Movement
As a Craft Union operator, you have a unique opportunity. You’re not chained to a rigid corporate model; you’ve got the freedom to run a pub your way while still having the support of a brilliant brand.
Your job? Create somewhere where people don’t just drink. They laugh, they connect, they belong.
Building a community takes time, care, and consistency, but the rewards? Loyalty, laughter, and a full pub on a rainy Wednesday.
So go on, throw that first quiz night, post that birthday shoutout, donate that prize to the school fair.
Because every small act of connection leads to a thriving community.
Are you ready to take the reins and become a community-led operator? Craft Union is always on the lookout for passionate general managers who are ready to put people first. Head to our website to explore available pubs and start your journey today.