The village pub is more than just a business; it’s the heart of a community. It’s the roaring fire on a chilly autumn evening, the hub of chatter after a long week, and the place where memories are made. For generations, just being there was enough.
But in 2025, the competition for your locals' time and money is fierce. You’re not just up against the pub in the next village over; you're up against Netflix, takeaways, and the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
To thrive, the modern village pub needs to extend its sense of community online, staying front of mind and making it effortless for locals to choose a pint at the bar or a meal by the fire. This boils down to a simple, three-part digital strategy that works in perfect harmony.
1. Social Media: Tell Your Story, Don't Just Post the Menu
Your social media channels (especially Facebook and Instagram) are your digital barstool. This is where you maintain your relationship with locals even when they're at home on a Tuesday evening. A feed that only posts the Sunday lunch menu once a week is a missed opportunity. The goal is to sell the experience.
Engaging content ideas:
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Go Behind the Scenes: A short video of the chef perfecting a new dish, a photo of a new guest ale being tapped, or the team setting up for a big event. Show the life and soul of the pub.
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Showcase the Atmosphere: Don't just post pictures of empty, perfectly set tables. Share photos of the quiz night in full swing, happy faces on a Friday night, or the pub dog snoozing by the fire. Capture the energy and warmth.
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Meet the Team: People connect with people. A quick post introducing your charismatic bartender or talented chef adds a human touch that builds real connection.
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Ask Questions: Use your platform to engage the community. "What new gin should we get in?" "Who's joining us for the rugby this weekend?" Make them feel like part of the conversation.
2. Your Website: The Easiest Path to a Booked Table
Your fantastic Instagram post of a delicious-looking steak and ale pie has done its job - a local couple is now hungry and wants to visit. The next step they take must be absolutely seamless. If they land on your website and have to hunt for a phone number (which you might be too busy to answer), you've likely lost them to a takeaway app.
What you need in place:
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A Frictionless Booking System: Your website must have a simple, mobile-friendly booking widget. Systems like Resy, OpenTable, or other dedicated plugins are essential. A customer should be able to book a table in under a minute.
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A Prominent ‘Book a Table’ Button: This should be the most obvious button on your homepage. Don't make people search for it.
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Clear, Up-to-Date Menus: Ensure your food and drink menus are easy to find and read on a mobile phone. Avoid blurry, hard-to-read PDF downloads at all costs.
3. Your Google Business Profile: Your Digital Front Door
While social media creates desire and your website enables action, your Google Business Profile manages the crucial, practical details. This is what people see when they search "pubs near me" or look you up on Google Maps. Getting this wrong can instantly break a customer's trust.
Your non-negotiable checklist:
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Obsessive Accuracy: Your opening hours are sacred. A customer who drives to your pub because Google said you were open, only to find you’re closed for a private function, will not forget it. Keep your hours updated for every bank holiday and special event.
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Use Google Posts: This free feature is perfect for announcing the weekly quiz night, a new menu special, or upcoming live music. It puts timely information in front of people who are actively searching for you.
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Manage Your Reviews: As we've covered in our 5-point Google checklist, responding to all reviews is vital. Thank people for positive feedback and address negative comments professionally. It shows you care about your customers' experience.
The Perfect Pour: Bringing It All Together
When these three digital touchpoints work in harmony, they create a powerful loop. Engaging social media creates the desire to visit. A seamless website provides the path to a booking. And an accurate Google profile manages the practicalities flawlessly.
This consistent online presence ensures that when your locals are deciding what to do with their evening, your pub isn't just an option—it's the obvious, easy, and most appealing choice.
Running a village pub in Leicestershire or Northamptonshire is more than a full-time job. If you want to get your digital presence sorted but don't know where to start, get in touch. Brand Canyon, based in Market Harborough, helps local hospitality businesses thrive online. Let's grab a coffee (or a pint) and chat.
