5th Mar 2025
How to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day at Your Local Pub
Did you know that Brits tend to spend an extra £113 over bank holidays compared to normal weekends and that they are three times more likely to head to their local pub during this time?
Bank holidays offer the perfect opportunity for pubs to boost foot traffic and increase sales. With April and May featuring public holidays, now is the perfect opportunity for landlords to plan events that can turn a long weekend into one of the most profitable times of the year.
A great way to increase footfall during the upcoming bank holiday weekends is by hosting a tasting event at your pub. Tasting events can attract both regulars and new customers who are looking for something different to enjoy. They create a vibrant atmosphere and can turn your pub into a popular destination over the long weekend.
You have the freedom to choose the focus of your tasting event—whether it’s new flavours, such as fruit gins or vodkas for summer, or a selection of spirits, minerals, or other beverages available at your bar.
You can also feature your seasonal selections or special purchases leading up to summer. If your pub has both indoor and outdoor space, that will offer enough room for guests to relax and enjoy the event.
With Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday providing multiple opportunities to attract customers, smart planning can turn Easter into a big few days for your pub. Promoting a special Easter Sunday roast menu with premium options like roast lamb and seasonal desserts will encourage customers to book tables in advance.
Since Easter is a family-orientated holiday, offering child-friendly activities can set your pub apart and make it the go-to destination for families. An Easter egg hunt in the beer garden, face painting, or an area where children can decorate Easter eggs, will keep little ones entertained while parents relax with a drink. Another option is to have a “Kids Eat Free” promotion to encourage more families to dine with you over the weekend.
With bank holidays bringing families and friends together, your pub can capitalise on the demand for social gatherings by offering bookings for large parties with exclusive discounts or drink packages. People often use long weekends as an opportunity to celebrate birthdays, reunions, or simply enjoy a stress-free time with loved ones, so creating special group offers can encourage bigger bookings and longer stays. Consider offering discounted set menus, pre-ordered sharing platters, or “Buy X, Get Y Free” drink deals for parties of six or more.
If you love the idea of running a pub and being at the heart of the bank holiday excitement, why not make it a reality? Check out our vacancies and start your journey towards running your own pub today!
For existing Trust Inns tenants, ensuring your pub is ready for the busy bank holiday period is important. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to maximise sales and attract more customers, make sure to check out our latest incentive magazine. Packed with exclusive deals, seasonal product offers, and marketing tips, it’s designed to help make the most of the upcoming sunny months. Click here to explore the latest edition.
Bank holiday weekends present a fantastic opportunity for pubs to attract new customers, increase revenue, and become the go-to place for bank holidays. By planning events, such as beer festivals and hosting events to cater to everyone, bank holidays can turn a standard holiday into a busy few days!