16 October 2024

How to Appeal to Families

Attracting families to your pub is not just about offering kid-friendly meals. It’s about creating an inviting environment that caters to both adults and children, making your pub a go-to destination for family outings. Here are some key strategies to help you appeal to families and create a welcoming space for all ages.

Leverage Social Media to Highlight Family-Friendly Features

In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for connecting with families. By sharing photos and videos of families enjoying themselves at your pub, you can showcase how welcoming and fun your venue is for all ages. Highlight family-focused events and features, such as play areas or kids' meals, to catch the attention of parents looking for a great spot to dine with their children.

What You Can Do: Regularly post updates on events like family quiz nights or special promotions for kids. A picture of a happy family enjoying their meal could be all it takes to entice others to visit.

Get Involved with the Local Community

Engaging with the local community can strengthen your pub’s reputation as a family-friendly venue. Partnering with local schools, sports clubs, and community organisations is a great way to do this. Sponsoring events or hosting school fundraisers can help build your pub’s visibility and show that you care about families in your area.

What You Can Do: Collaborate on community events or sponsor local youth sports teams to increase awareness and foster strong community ties.

Train Your Team for Excellent Family Service

The way your staff interacts with families can make or break their experience. Friendly, patient, and attentive staff are essential in making families feel welcome. Ensure your team is trained to understand the needs of families, especially when it comes to helping parents with young children. Ensuring you have adequate activities for children can also help create an environment that welcomes families.

Download our children’s activity pack

What You Can Do: Families, especially those with young kids, are particularly sensitive to cleanliness and safety. Regular cleaning and safety checks, especially in areas frequented by children, are crucial for creating a welcoming and safe space for families to relax.

Optimise Your Menu for Families

Your menu can play a huge role in appealing to families. Offering a dedicated children’s menu with healthy, fun options like mini pizzas, grilled chicken strips, or veggie sticks with dips can go a long way. Make sure the options are balanced between nutritious and delicious, so kids and parents alike feel satisfied.

Family Sharing Platters are another great option. These make it easy for families to share a variety of dishes and simplify the ordering process for parents, all while promoting family bonding over meals.

Host Family-Friendly Events and Promotions

Special events are a fantastic way to draw families into your pub. Family Fun Days, with activities like face painting or magic shows, create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere that can turn a regular visit into a memorable experience. Hosting birthday parties is another way to position your pub as a family favourite. Offering birthday packages with decorations, a special menu, and entertainment can make your pub the go-to spot for celebrations.

What You Can Do: Consider offering special deals, like “kids eat free” during school holidays, to encourage more family visits. Promotions like this provide value for parents and can make your pub stand out.

By focusing on family-friendly strategies, from tailored menus to engaging events, you can create an environment that appeals to both parents and children alike. With the right marketing, community engagement, and excellent service, your pub can become the ultimate destination for family outings.