Module 11

Pubs & Bars

This quick-start guide covers Google Business Profile optimisation for pubs, bars, and drinking establishments. Whether you're a traditional local or a cocktail bar, here's how to attract customers through local search.

Your Setup Priorities

What to do

Focus on these elements first for pubs and bars.

Step by step

  1. Photos show atmosphere. People choose pubs based on vibe. Your photos should capture your character and atmosphere.
  2. Reviews drive footfall. Good reviews mentioning atmosphere, service, and drinks attract new customers.
  3. Hours are essential. Opening times, last orders, and weekend hours must be accurate.
  4. Food or no food. Be clear if you serve food and when. "Pub near me with food" is a common search.
  5. What makes you special. Live music? Real ales? Sports? Beer garden? Highlight your unique features.

Recommended Categories

What to do

Choose categories that match your establishment.

Step by step

  1. Traditional pub — Primary: Pub
  2. Cocktail/wine bar — Primary: Bar, Secondary: Cocktail Bar, Wine Bar
  3. Gastropub — Primary: Pub, Secondary: Restaurant, Gastropub
  4. Sports bar — Primary: Bar, Secondary: Sports Bar
  5. Additional categories: Beer Garden, Live Music Venue, Restaurant (if food is significant).

Services and Features to List

What to do

List what you offer beyond drinks.

Step by step

  1. Drinks: Real ales, Craft beer, Cocktails, Wine list, Spirits selection.
  2. Food: Bar snacks, Pub food, Sunday roasts, Restaurant menu, Kitchen hours.
  3. Entertainment: Live music, Quiz nights, Sports screenings, DJs, Karaoke.
  4. Facilities: Beer garden, Outdoor seating, Function room, Private hire, Accommodation (if applicable).
  5. Events: Wedding receptions, Birthday parties, Corporate events.

Photos That Work for Pubs

What to do

Capture your atmosphere and character.

Step by step

  1. Interior atmosphere. The bar, seating areas, lighting. Show the vibe — cosy, lively, relaxed.
  2. The bar itself. Well-stocked bar, beer taps, spirits display.
  3. Food (if served). Appetising shots of your best dishes. Sunday roast, burgers, sharing platters.
  4. Beer garden/outdoor area. If you have one, this is a major draw. Show it in good weather.
  5. Events and atmosphere. Busy pub on a Friday, live music, quiz night, sports crowd.
  6. Exterior/signage. Traditional pub front, signage, any character features.
  7. Seasonal updates. Christmas decorations, summer garden, seasonal specials.

Getting Hours Right

What to do

Hours are particularly important for drinking establishments.

Step by step

  1. Opening and closing times. Be precise, especially for late nights.
  2. Kitchen hours. If different from bar hours, use "More hours" to specify food service times.
  3. Weekend variations. If you're open later on Fridays and Saturdays, set this correctly.
  4. Bank holidays. Set special hours for bank holidays.
  5. Last orders vs closing. Consider which time to show — when you stop serving vs when you close.

Key Attributes to Set

What to do

Enable all relevant attributes.

Step by step

  1. Serves alcohol — Obviously yes.
  2. Food options — Serves food, Bar snacks, Restaurant.
  3. Outdoor seating / Beer garden — If you have it.
  4. Live music — If you host it.
  5. Dog-friendly — Popular attribute for pubs.
  6. Family-friendly — If children are welcome.
  7. Sports screenings — If you show live sports.
  8. Wi-Fi — If available.
  9. LGBTQ+ friendly — If you want to signal inclusivity.

Getting Reviews for Pubs

What to do

Turn happy customers into reviewers.

Step by step

  1. Table cards/coasters. QR codes on tables or beer mats.
  2. Bill presenters. Include review prompt when presenting the bill.
  3. Staff mentions. Train staff to ask regulars: "If you've never left us a Google review, we'd really appreciate one."
  4. After events. Follow up quiz winners, function hosts with review requests.
  5. Respond to reviews. Thank positive reviewers. Address complaints professionally.

Q&A to Seed

What to do

Pre-populate these common questions.

Step by step

  1. "Do you serve food?" — Food availability and hours.
  2. "Do you have a beer garden?" — Outdoor space details.
  3. "Are dogs allowed?" — Pet policy.
  4. "Do you show sports?" — Sports screening policy.
  5. "Is there parking?" — Parking information.
  6. "Do you take bookings?" — Reservation policy.
  7. "Are children welcome?" — Family-friendliness.
  8. "What time is last orders?" — Closing time details.

Post Ideas for Pubs

What to do

Keep customers informed of what's on.

Step by step

  1. Events. "Quiz night every Thursday — free entry, win prizes!"
  2. Live sports. "Showing the big match this Saturday."
  3. Live music. "Live band this Friday night."
  4. Food specials. "Steak night Tuesday — two steaks for £25."
  5. New beers. "Just tapped: Guest ale from [brewery]."
  6. Seasonal. "Beer garden open for summer!" or "Cosy fires lit for winter."

Priority Citations for Pubs

What to do

Get listed on these platforms.

Step by step

  1. TripAdvisor — Important for pubs serving food especially.
  2. CAMRA Good Beer Guide / WhatPub — If you serve real ale.
  3. DesignMyNight — Bar discovery platform.
  4. Facebook — Essential for event promotion.
  5. Instagram — Visual platform for atmosphere.
  6. Pub directories — beerintheevening.com, pubsgalore.co.uk.
  7. Yell, Thomson Local — General directories.

Pub GBP checklist: