Why your local pub or bar needs a website that feels like the place itself
People choose bars and pubs differently than restaurants. They're looking for a vibe — a place that fits their evening. Before a first visit, they check your website to see if it looks like their kind of place, what's on tap, whether there's live music tonight, and how late you're open. A website that captures your pub's personality drives first-time visits from people who would otherwise walk past your door or choose a competitor they found faster online.
A bar or pub website needs to communicate the experience as much as the menu. Your regular events — quiz nights, live music, sports screenings, happy hours — are a major draw and should be prominent on the homepage. Draft beer selections, cocktail specials, and pub food menus help people plan their evenings before leaving the house. Private hire information for birthday parties and work events is a consistent revenue stream that requires almost no extra marketing once it's discoverable on your site.
The best pub websites feel like the pub itself: warm, unpretentious, and full of character. Dry, corporate descriptions don't fit the neighborhood bar experience. Write like you talk to your regulars — honest, direct, with a hint of the personality that makes your place worth coming back to.
What's included
- Dark wood and amber color palette
- Draft beer menu with rotating taps
- Weekly events schedule (quiz night, live music)
- Table reservation and private hire forms
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this bar / pub website template really free?
Yes, this bar / pub template is completely free to download and use. No credit card required, no hidden fees. You can use it for personal or commercial projects.
Do I need coding skills to use this template?
Basic HTML knowledge is helpful but not required. The template uses clean, well-commented HTML and CSS that you can easily customize by changing text, images, and colors.
What pages are included in this template?
This template includes 4 professionally designed pages: Home, About, Menu & Events, Contact. All pages are fully responsive and work on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.
Can you build me a custom website?
Yes. If you need something beyond what a template can do, we design and build custom websites and web apps from scratch. eCommerce, booking systems, membership sites, client portals, and more. Learn more about custom builds.
What should a bar or pub website include?
Your core pages should cover: who you are (the vibe, the history, the regulars), what you serve (draft beer list, cocktail menu, food menu), when you're open (hours, last orders, kitchen closing time), what's on (weekly events, live music schedule, sports screenings), and how to book (table reservations, private hire enquiries). Prominently display your happy hour times and any recurring promotions. An up-to-date rotating tap list, even just a simple text list updated weekly, is one of the most useful things a craft-focused pub can put online.
How do bars and pubs get more private hire bookings?
Private hire is highly discoverable via search — people actively search for "pub hire for birthday" or "private bar for work party" in their area. A dedicated section or page covering capacity, catering options, pricing structure, and what's included converts this search traffic. Clear availability and a simple enquiry form removes friction. Photos of previous events (even staged ones) help hesitant bookers visualize their event in your space. Following up promptly — within hours, not days — dramatically increases conversion from enquiry to confirmed booking.
Should a pub use online table reservations?
For dining-focused pubs, yes — online reservations are expected and reduce no-shows through automated reminders. For bar-focused venues, a hybrid approach works well: reserve tables for groups of four or more while keeping the bar and smaller tables walk-in only. Clearly communicate this policy so guests know what to expect. Free reservation tools like Google Reserve, OpenTable, or even a simple contact form are sufficient for most independents without the overhead of a reservation management subscription.
How do local pubs compete with chain bars?
On community, character, and consistency. Chains compete on brand recognition and standardized experience — independent pubs win on being genuinely local. Regular events (quiz nights, local sports on the big screen, live music from area musicians) build a loyal base that returns weekly, not occasionally. Local beer selections, a rotating guest tap from regional breweries, and food sourced from nearby suppliers resonate with customers who actively choose to support local. Communicating these values on your website attracts the guests most likely to become regulars.
Ready to make it yours?
Download the template and customize it yourself, or let us handle everything. We set up hosting, add your content, and launch your site.
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