People choose where to drink by scrolling. A feed that shows a busy bar, great drinks and something on every week gives them a reason to pick you over the place down the road.
Here are 25 social media post ideas for bars, pubs and cocktail lounges, grouped by what they do for your business, plus a simple weekly plan, ready-made captions, hashtags and the mistakes to avoid.
What should a bar post on social media?
The short answer: what's on, your drinks, your team and your regulars, plus clear reasons to visit this week. Three posts a week, with Stories on event nights, is enough.
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Your weekly posting plan at a glance
You do not need to post every day. Three posts a week, each with a different job, is plenty for a busy bar.
This week's quiz, live music, sport and offers in one post.
A new cocktail, guest ale or seasonal special.
A Story or short video from the bar as it fills up.
A bartender, the landlord or the chef.
Big matches, bank holidays, Christmas parties and summer in the beer garden.
A customer's words about a great night out.
Post ideas that get people through the door
Give people a reason to visit this week, not someday.
What's on this week
Quiz, live music, open mic and sport, all in one graphic.
Big match screenings
Fixtures, kick-off times and whether you take bookings.
Happy hour
Days, times and what's included. Keep it simple.
Event announcements
Tribute nights, comedy and tastings, with a booking link.
Private hire
Birthdays, work dos and wakes. Show off the space.
Post ideas that show off your drinks
Drinks photos and videos are your best-performing content.
Cocktail of the week
A short video of it being made.
Guest ales and new kegs
What's on tap this week.
Seasonal specials
Spiced cider in autumn, spritzes in summer.
Behind the bar
Garnishes, shaking, pouring the perfect pint.
Food pairings
If you serve food, show what goes with what.
Low and no alcohol
Great options for drivers and non-drinkers.
Ask the bartender
Your team's favourite drinks and why.
Post ideas that build your community
Regulars are the heart of a good bar. Make them the stars.
Meet the team
Bar staff, the landlord and the kitchen.
Regulars' corner
With permission, celebrate your locals.
Quiz winners
Photo of the winning team each week.
Local partners
Breweries, distilleries and suppliers you work with.
Charity nights
Fundraisers and community events you support.
Throwbacks
Old photos of the pub and its history.
Post ideas that get people talking
Comments and shares help your posts reach more people nearby. These keep you in the feed, so you are the first name people think of. Here is more on how to generate more engagement.
Customer reviews
Turn a five star review into a graphic. Here is how to encourage customers to leave a review.
Polls
Which cocktail should go on the new menu?
Caption this
A fun photo from a busy night.
Quiz question of the day
One question from this week's quiz.
Name the drink
Let followers name a new cocktail.
Tag your crew
Ask who they're bringing on Friday. A conversation, not a competition entry.
Bar captions you can use
Swap in your own details and they are ready to go.
This week at the bar 🍻
Tuesday quiz, Thursday live music and every Premier League game on the big screens.
Book a table through the link in our bio.
Meet our new favourite 🍸
Rhubarb gin, ginger and a splash of prosecco, served long over ice.
Ask for a Rhubarb Fizz on your next visit.
Christmas party season is filling up fast 🎄
Private areas for 10 to 60, festive menus and drinks packages.
Message us to grab your date.
Hashtags for bars and pubs
Use two or three of these, then add hashtags for your town and the services you want more of.
- #LocalPub
- #CocktailBar
- #PubQuiz
- #LiveMusic
- #CraftBeer
- #Cocktails
- #NightOut
- #BeerGarden
- #WhatsOn
- #DrinksMenu
Bar social media dos and don'ts
Do
- Follow the Portman Group and ASA rules on promoting alcohol responsibly
- Check anyone in your photos is clearly over 25
- Reply to comments and messages quickly, as questions turn into bookings. Our community management service can help
- Post to your Google Business Profile as well as your social channels
- Ask every happy customer for a review
Don't
- Link drinking to social or sexual success, or encourage excessive drinking
- Post photos of customers without asking first
- Run tag or share to enter competitions on Facebook
- Post only when things are quiet. Consistent feeds win more bookings
- Rely on stock photos. Real photos of your own team and work are more convincing
Bar social media FAQs
What should a bar post on social media?
A mix of what's on posts, drinks photos and videos, team and regulars, and reviews. Aim for posts that get people through the door, show off your drinks, build your community and get people talking.
How often should a bar post on social media?
Three times a week is plenty. Consistency matters more than volume, so a steady three posts a week beats ten in one week followed by silence.
Which social media platforms are best for bars and pubs?
Instagram and Facebook matter most. Instagram is perfect for drinks and atmosphere, and Facebook reaches locals and community groups. TikTok works well for cocktail videos, and Google Business Profile helps people find you when they search for a pub nearby.
Are there rules on advertising alcohol on social media?
Yes. The ASA's CAP Code applies to your social posts. Don't target under 18s, show anyone who looks under 25 drinking, or suggest alcohol makes people more popular, attractive or successful.
How can a pub get more bookings from social media?
Post what's on at the start of each week, use Stories on event nights and make booking easy with a link in your bio and on every post. Start Christmas party posts in September.
