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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask what does your local pub do to impress you?

210 replies

PubFairyGodmother · 19/11/2024 17:21

Totally posting for traffic!

I run a small village pub. We’re off the main road, people have to be coming to our village to find us.

We open 6 days a week, all day, serve food at lunch and dinner times. We have a main bar, a smaller room and a function room. These additional rooms are regularly used by local groups for meetings - we don’t charge for the rooms for local groups, but people buy drinks and they help make the place feel busy mid-week.

We have 2 darts teams, regular monthly quizzes. We’ve stepped back from regular live music, so many places do it, the local bands can always be seen somewhere else next week (ie no incentive to come to the sticks) and they charge a lot, it doesn’t always make financial sense.

I’m just wondering if any of your local pubs do something that you think “oh that’s a good idea!”? Let’s face it, I doubt we’ll be in competition! Anything in the pub or anything online? I need to find some untapped markets to keep our lovely pub going!! Thank you

OP posts:
Octavia64 · 19/11/2024 17:38

My local pub has no veggie or vegan food so I go to a pub a bit further along.

BobbyBiscuits · 19/11/2024 17:38

Not shut down and be replaced by a block of flats. Their roast dinner is alright. But it's really expensive. I can't afford to go for more than one pint every couple of weeks! It's very near, like 20 seconds away. I guess that's convenient!

Sprig1 · 19/11/2024 17:38

Decent food (good quality pub grub, not too pricy), regular menu changes and great service.

UpUpUpU · 19/11/2024 17:36

Gluten free options. I often travel to find nice pubs with GF options on the menu.

ARichtGoodDram · 19/11/2024 17:36

Ours has bingo once a fortnight. I don't go but lots of the older locals and much younger ones do. It's really popular.

They also have a loyalty stamp card. If you buy 9 main meals then you get one free. They also do it if with hot drinks as well.
Everyone that has a meal is entered (you write your name on the back of the recipe) into a draw every month as well where you can win that meal again. You get free pudding on your birthday.

They have poker nights, quiz nights, dominos and darts.

The other pub locally has banned children after 2pm. Which has been very popular but only really works as they did it after chatting with the other pub - who have installed a soft play and have a very child friendly menu.

GreekBeaver · 19/11/2024 17:35

As above, it's great to go to a pub and get a decent vegan meal. The one across the road from me (in a village) doesn't have a vegan menu but does 'veganise' some of the veggie dishes and it's always great. They are an eating pub but do have a small bar and a large outside area with heaters.

Theeyeballsinthesky · 19/11/2024 17:35

Over next few weeks our village pub is doing a write a letter to Santa afternoon/evening for the children with hot chocolate & mice pies, mince pie eating competition, Christmas fair, Carol singing. I know it’s easier with a theme but it’s about getting ppl through the door so hopefully they come back at other times :)

Callmejudith · 19/11/2024 17:34

If you're in the sticks then some really nice non-alcoholic drinks options for drivers. Good coffee too. Could you do something during the day - coffee/cake?

Super reliable regular kitchen open times are great. Mid week nice simple hearty food. Good kids menu if kids are welcome.

Maybe "come and learn darts" for beginners? A ladies' darts team if you don't have one.

PastaAndChill · 19/11/2024 17:29

Delicious vegan options. 😊

PubFairyGodmother · 19/11/2024 17:29

I mean, totally posting for traffic - I need help! (Please)

OP posts: