Pub marketing guide · 13 min read

25 Social Media Post Ideas for Pubs (With Examples You Can Use)

Most pubs don't run out of things to post about — they run out of time to think of them. A quiz on Thursday, a new guest ale, the roast coming out of the oven: it's all worth sharing, but it's easy to go quiet for weeks when the bar's busy.

Posting regularly keeps your pub in front of people who already like it, and gives newcomers a sense of what you're like before they walk in. The 25 ideas below each come with a short example caption, a photo suggestion and a practical tip, so you can pick one and post it today.

Words in [square brackets] are placeholders — swap in your own pub's details. The examples are illustrative only, not details of any real pub.

Food and drink

1. Sunday roast promotion

Sunday lunch is usually planned days ahead, so post on Thursday or Friday while families and friends are still deciding where to go.

Example caption (illustrative)Sunday roasts are back at [Pub name] 🍽️ [Meat options] or [veggie option] with all the trimmings, served from [time] until [time]. If Sundays are busy for you, add: tables can fill up quickly — call [phone] to book.

Photo or video idea: A single plated roast near a window, shot from slightly above, with gravy just poured.

Tip: On Facebook, pin the post to the top of your Page until Sunday. On Instagram, add a Story on Sunday morning saying how many tables are left.

2. Dish of the week

A weekly feature gives you a guaranteed post and gives regulars a reason to try something new.

Example caption (illustrative)Dish of the week: [dish name] — [two or three key ingredients]. £[price], available until [day] or until it runs out.

Photo or video idea: A close-up of the dish on the pass, plus a second shot of the chef holding it.

Tip: Post it on the same day each week so it becomes a habit for you and your followers.

3. New menu launch

A new menu is real news. Give it a few posts rather than one, so more people see it.

Example caption (illustrative)Our new [season] menu starts on [date] 🎉 Highlights include [dish], [dish] and [dish]. Full menu on our website or ask at the bar.

Photo or video idea: A tidy spread of three or four new dishes on one table, or a short video moving along the plates.

Tip: Follow up over the next fortnight with one post per new dish rather than repeating the whole menu.

4. Midweek food special

A named midweek offer gives people a reason to come in on a night they'd usually stay home.

Example caption (illustrative)It's [special name] tonight! [Dish] and a [drink] for £[price], from [time]. See you at the bar.

Photo or video idea: The dish and the drink side by side on a table, ideally with the pub in the background.

Tip: Post in the morning and again around 4pm, when people are thinking about dinner.

5. Behind-the-bar drinks feature

Guest ales, a new gin or a seasonal cocktail are easy, attractive posts that show what makes your bar different.

Example caption (illustrative)New on the bar this week: [drink name] from [brewery or distillery]. [One line on taste]. Ask [staff name] for a taster.

Photo or video idea: The drink being poured, or the pump clip and a fresh pint together on the bar.

Tip: On Instagram, tag the brewery or distillery — they'll often reshare it to their own followers.

Events and entertainment

6. Quiz night announcement

A regular quiz builds a habit. The practical details are what get teams to commit.

Example caption (illustrative)Quiz night is every [day] from [time] 🧠 Teams of up to [number], £[entry] per person, and a prize for the winning team. Kitchen open until [time].

Photo or video idea: Answer sheets and pens on a table with drinks, or last week's winners holding their prize (with their permission).

Tip: Create a Facebook event so people can tap 'Interested' and get a reminder.

7. Live football or other sport

Fans plan where to watch big games in advance, so tell them early which matches you're showing.

Example caption (illustrative)We're showing [team] v [team] live on [day] — kick-off [time]. [Number] screens, food served throughout. Book a table for big games.

Photo or video idea: Your screens with the room set up, taken before opening so the space looks ready.

Tip: Only advertise sport you're properly licensed to show, and post a weekly fixtures list on Mondays.

8. Live music announcement

Bands and performers bring their own audience if you make it easy for them to share.

Example caption (illustrative)Live music this [day]: [act name] playing [genre] from [time]. [Free entry / £[price] entry] — come early for a good spot.

Photo or video idea: A photo of the act (ask them for one), or a short video clip from their last set at your pub.

Tip: Tag the performer on Facebook and Instagram so it appears to their followers too.

9. Weekend what's-on roundup

One clear post on Thursday or Friday answers 'what's happening this weekend?' in a single glance.

Example caption (illustrative)This weekend at [Pub name]: Friday — [event]. Saturday — [event]. Sunday — roasts from [time]. Hope to see you!

Photo or video idea: A chalkboard with the weekend's events written on it, or a simple carousel of three photos.

Tip: On Instagram, use a carousel with one slide per day. On Facebook, a single photo with the list in the caption works well.

10. Last-minute event reminder

Many people decide on the day. A short reminder a few hours before often matters more than the original announcement.

Example caption (illustrative)Tonight! [Event] starts at [time]. There's still room — just turn up.

Photo or video idea: The room being set up, or a quick Story of the band sound-checking or the quiz master's table.

Tip: Stories are perfect here — quick, informal and they disappear after 24 hours.

People and personality

11. Meet the team

People choose a local partly because of who's behind the bar. Introducing your team makes the pub feel friendly before anyone visits.

Example caption (illustrative)Meet [name], who's been pulling pints here for [length of time]. Favourite drink on the bar? [Drink]. Say hello next time you're in!

Photo or video idea: A natural photo of the team member at the bar, smiling but not posed.

Tip: Always ask permission first, and let staff choose the photo they're happy with.

12. Behind the scenes in the kitchen

Showing food being prepared builds confidence in your kitchen and is naturally interesting to watch.

Example caption (illustrative)Prep's under way for tonight — [chef name] is making [dish] from scratch. Served from [time].

Photo or video idea: A short video of hands at work: chopping, plating or pies coming out of the oven.

Tip: Keep it tidy and food-safe on camera — follow the same hygiene you would for an inspection.

13. Pub history or interesting facts

Many pubs have a story — the building, the name, a former landlord. Local history posts tend to get comments and shares.

Example caption (illustrative)Did you know? [Pub name] has been serving [town] since [year]. [One interesting fact about the building or name]. Anyone got old photos of the place?

Photo or video idea: An old photo of the pub (if you have the right to share it) next to a current one from the same angle.

Tip: Only share facts you can check, and credit local history groups if you use their material.

14. Introducing a new team member

A quick welcome post helps a new starter feel part of the team and gives regulars a name to put to the face.

Example caption (illustrative)Please welcome [name] to the team! You'll find them behind the bar on [days]. Make them feel at home.

Photo or video idea: The new team member at the bar or with the rest of the team.

Tip: Keep personal details to a minimum — first name and role is plenty.

15. A day in the life of the pub

Showing the work that happens before opening — deliveries, cellar checks, setting tables — gives people a glimpse behind the scenes.

Example caption (illustrative)From the 8am delivery to last orders, here's a day at [Pub name]. [Number] pints poured, [number] roasts served and one very tired dog.

Photo or video idea: Five or six short clips through the day, joined into one short video or a series of Stories.

Tip: Film over a normal day and save the clips; you can put them together when it's quiet.

Community and engagement

16. Local community events

Sharing what's on locally shows your pub is part of the area, not just selling to it.

Example caption (illustrative)Heading to the [local event] on [date]? We're open from [time] if you fancy a drink or a bite afterwards.

Photo or video idea: A photo from last year's event or the poster for this one (with the organiser's permission).

Tip: Tag local groups and use your town or village name in the caption so neighbours find it.

17. Supporting local suppliers

Customers like knowing where their food and drink comes from, and suppliers usually share these posts.

Example caption (illustrative)Our sausages come from [butcher] just down the road in [place], and our ale from [brewery] in [place]. Proud to keep it local.

Photo or video idea: The supplier making a delivery, or a product alongside the dish it ends up in.

Tip: Check suppliers are happy to be named and tag their pages.

18. Asking followers a fun question

A light question invites replies, which helps your Page feel lively and gives you ideas for future posts.

Example caption (illustrative)Settle a debate behind the bar: [option A] or [option B]? Wrong answers only… or right ones. 👇

Photo or video idea: Two items side by side — two drinks, two puddings, two pub dogs.

Tip: Reply to the comments. Even a quick 'good choice!' encourages more people to join in.

19. Celebrating a pub milestone

Anniversaries, a new landlord's first year or a refurbishment give you a reason to say thank you.

Example caption (illustrative)[Number] years ago today we opened the doors at [Pub name]. Thank you to everyone who's propped up the bar since. [Any celebration details].

Photo or video idea: A then-and-now photo, or the team together outside the pub.

Tip: If you're marking it with an event, follow up with a reminder post nearer the date.

20. Sharing customer feedback with permission

A kind word from a real customer can reassure people who haven't visited yet.

Example caption (illustrative)Lovely to read this from [customer first name, with permission]: "[their exact words]". Thank you — we'll pass it on to the kitchen!

Photo or video idea: A plain graphic with the quote, or a photo of the dish they mentioned.

Tip: Only share genuine feedback, word for word, with the customer's permission — never write or edit reviews yourself.

Increasing visits

21. Promoting a quieter weekday

Rather than discounting everything, give people a specific reason to come in on your slowest night.

Example caption (illustrative)[Day]s at [Pub name] are for [theme — board games, pie night, open mic]. From [time], fire lit, kitchen open until [time].

Photo or video idea: A cosy shot of the room on that evening — the fire, a game on the table, a few happy regulars.

Tip: Promote the same night consistently for several weeks before judging whether it's working.

22. Beer garden and good-weather updates

When the sun comes out, people decide quickly. A same-day post can catch them at exactly the right moment.

Example caption (illustrative)The sun's out and the garden's open ☀️ Tables free, cold drinks ready, and the kitchen's serving until [time].

Photo or video idea: The garden in sunshine, taken that day, so it's clearly current.

Tip: Stories work well for weather updates because they feel immediate.

23. Seasonal celebrations

Christmas, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Halloween and bank holidays are planned in advance, so start posting early.

Example caption (illustrative)[Occasion] at [Pub name]: [what you're offering] on [date]. Booking recommended — call [phone] or pop in to reserve.

Photo or video idea: A seasonal table setting or decorated bar, taken a few days before.

Tip: Start around three to four weeks before big occasions such as Christmas, with reminders as the date gets closer.

24. Booking reminders

A simple, friendly reminder helps people who meant to book but forgot.

Example caption (illustrative)Just a few tables left for [day/event]. If you're planning to join us, give us a ring on [phone] to save your spot.

Photo or video idea: A reserved sign on a table, or the dining room set up and ready.

Tip: Only say tables are limited when it's true — people notice if every post says 'nearly full'.

25. What's happening next week

A Sunday or Monday post sets out the week ahead and helps people plan.

Example caption (illustrative)Coming up at [Pub name] this week: [day] — [event]. [Day] — [special]. [Day] — [event]. Save this post so you don't miss anything!

Photo or video idea: A chalkboard or printed what's-on list by the bar, photographed straight on.

Tip: On Instagram, ask people to save the post. On Facebook, pin it to the top of your Page for the week.

A simple weekly posting schedule

This is an example of what a week could look like, not a requirement to post every day. Pick the days that suit your pub and your time — two or three posts a week, done consistently, beats seven you can't keep up.

Monday
What's happening this week (idea 25), plus fixtures if you show sport.
Tuesday
A people post: meet the team or behind the scenes (ideas 11–15).
Wednesday
Midweek food special or dish of the week (ideas 2 and 4).
Thursday
Weekend roundup and Sunday roast (ideas 1 and 9).
Friday
A drinks feature or event reminder (ideas 5 and 10).
Saturday
A same-day Story: garden, match day or atmosphere (idea 22).
Sunday
A community or engagement post, such as a fun question (ideas 16–20).

Adapting posts to your pub

  • Write the way you'd talk to a regular at the bar. A village pub with a roaring fire and a sports pub with six screens should sound different — and that's a good thing.
  • Use your own photos of your own pub. People want to recognise the place when they arrive.
  • Mention your town, village or street, local landmarks and nearby events. It helps local people find you and makes posts feel personal.
  • Pick the ideas that fit. If you don't serve food, skip the roast and lean into drinks, events and the people behind the bar.

Keep it simple

You don't need to post every day or use all 25 ideas. Choose a few that suit your pub, settle into a simple weekly rhythm, and keep an eye on which posts get replies and which bring familiar faces through the door. Then do more of what works.

For more ways to bring people in — from your Google Business Profile to local reviews — read our guide on how to promote your pub.