Running a family-friendly pub - how to balance all your customers' needs

Gone are the days when a trip to the pub with your parents meant sitting awkwardly on a splinter-ridden bench in a soggy pub garden, nursing a packet of pork scratchings. Back then, children were about as welcome in a pub as a shark at a pool party. It’s easy to forget that, before 1995, anyone under the age of 14 was banned from pubs - unless they were relegated to the "family room." Food menus were basic at best and the air was clouded with smoke.

Fast forward to today and the British pub is now a far more family-friendly space. In the modern hospitality world, families want venues where both adults and children can enjoy themselves together. Striking that perfect balance is no easy feat - how do you make a pub fun for children and still keep the adults happy? It can be tricky, but getting it right is worth the effort.

As a pub owner, embracing this inclusive approach not only improves the experience for your guests but also opens the door to a whole new customer base. Parents who bring their kids today might come back with their friends tomorrow. Take a look at some of our suggestions below to see how many of these family-friendly ideas you’ve already put into practice.

Do you have a family friendly area?

This option would be the ideal but is wholly determined by the available space in your pub. Room permitting, a designated family area could be a workable solution for young families and is a win-win for other customers. Parents get a stress-free, secure area where kids can be kids, with toys, highchairs and space for buggies. Meanwhile, other customers can enjoy their pints in peace, free from flying crayons and toddler temper tantrums.

Does your pub have a family friendly menu?

Creating a varied child-friendly menu should be a priority. Ensure you include plenty of healthy options like fruit and vegetables and lean proteins, all with clearly labelled allergy information. With a growing number of parents calling for small portions of adult dishes there is a real appetite for diverse flavours and cuisines in children’s menus.*

Include foods from different cultures (Mediterranean, Mexican, Asian) that are naturally balanced and healthy. From mild curries to sushi rolls, the menu can celebrate diversity, helping kids appreciate the world’s flavours. Younger children will love a platter of 'picky bits' - wholewheat pitta slices, hummus, tzatziki, grilled chicken skewers, cucumber sticks and cherry tomatoes are sure to be a hit and since children enjoy being hands-on, adding a ‘create your own’ option can satisfy their creativity as well as their hunger. Let them compose their own taco or pizza using their favourite toppings.

Keep in mind that children have shorter attention spans and can get restless if their meal takes too long, so make sure the options are easy to prepare and quick to serve.

Do you have games to keep children busy?

While most pubs provide little ones with crayons and colouring sheets, why not take it up a notch? Imagine an Art Wall where kids can proudly display their masterpieces, complete with framing! You could even reward their artistic efforts with fun stickers or small gifts. To keep kids entertained, seated and off their screens (which parents will love), consider offering a selection of table games. Choose classics like Guess Who? or Snakes and Ladders - just steer clear of games with tiny pieces; your staff will thank you for it.

If you’re lucky enough to have a secure outdoor area, add some garden games to the mix for those sunny days. Think Giant Jenga or Four in a Row - perfect for letting children unleash their competitive spirit. You can also take advantage of your outdoor space by bringing some seasonal fun into the mix. How about hosting an exciting Easter Egg hunt in the pub garden? Or, for the holiday season, why not set up a Festive Scavenger Hunt, complete with activity sheets for the children and a small prize waiting at the finish line?

How do I adjust the atmosphere from family-friendly during the day to adults in the evening?

There are many strategic changes you can make to your pub to help transition from a family-friendly venue in the day, to an adult-focused environment in the evening. Using lighting is a great tool for changing the mood - during the day, keep your venue light and bright to create a welcoming space for families. As evening draws in, shift the tone by using lamps, fairy lights and candles to cultivate an intimate, cosy, adult-focused vibe.

Using your menu items to move from family-friendly to adult dining is another effective strategy you could implement. Fine tune your evening menu so dishes cater to the adult palate (think artisanal charcuterie boards, creative curries and seasonal specialities). This shift can elevate the dining experience and encourage customers to take their time over their meal.

The type of entertainment you arrange can also transform the energy of your pub. Introduce live music, acoustic performances or themed tasting events that resonate with an adult audience. Wine and cocktail-tasting evenings can also enhance the vibe and attract an adult crowd looking for a relaxed night out.

There is no definitive formula that guarantees a perfect balance between creating a child-friendly environment and ensuring adult customers feel equally welcome in your pub. Finding the perfect mix may require a process of experimentation and refinement, as each pub has its unique character and clientele. By thoughtfully assessing your space, menu and activities, you can discover what works best for your customers.

I’m interested in running my own pub - how do I take the next step?

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