Halloween Events

Consider what type of Halloween themes or events will appeal to your guests. If you are a wet-led pub, you may want to focus on Halloween drinks promotions. If you are food-led, you may want to focus on your seasonal food selection by adding Halloween specials to your menu. Below are some Halloween event and activity ideas you may wish to consider:

  • Fancy Dress Party – host an evening party for adults to include games (eg. apple bobbing, dress the mummy) and a selection of themed drinks, with a prize for the best fancy dress.  
  • Children’s Halloween Party – depending on your guest base, it might be a good idea to host a party catering to families, with Halloween games and a themed buffet.  
  • Halloween Quiz – put together a Halloween pub quiz with themed questions.  
  • Pumpkin Carving Competition – invite guests to enter their carved pumpkins into a competition at your pub, this could also be a great social media competition.  
  • Movie Night – Create a pop-up cinema in your pub, or use TV screens  to show classic Halloween themed movies.
  • Treasure Hunt – Hide clues around your pub for guests to follow and find the Halloween treasure.

Halloween Themes

Halloween decorations are a great way to physically change the environment of your pub which will be especially appreciated by your regular guests. You could decorate your pub a week before Halloween to make the most of the occasion. If your offer is quality, why not think about decorating your pub with fresh pumpkins, autumn leaves and candles. If you want a really spooky atmosphere, you could look for some appropriate decorations from online party suppliers, and even try using some dry ice for additional theatre. Think about incorporating a theme throughout your pub in your menu choices, drink selections, and event activities and promotion, to increase your guest’s perceived value.

Halloween theme ideas:

  • Haunted House
  • Day of the Dead
  • Creepy Circus   
  • Witch’s Den
  • Fictional Characters

Seasonal Food and Drink Menus

Create a seasonal or Halloween themed food and drinks menu to cater to your guest base. Depending on whether you are a wet-let or food-led pub, and the type of event you may be holding, consider the following options to add to your menu:

  • Food Menu – add diversity to your main menu by adding seasonal and themed meals, such as Roast Pumpkin, Pancetta and Halloumi Salad; Butternut Squash and Spinach Risotto; Vegetarian Pumpkin Lasagne; or Sausage, Pumpkin and Sage Casserole.  Visit www.bbc.co.uk/food for more inspiration.
  • Bar Snacks – if you are a wet-led pub, consider serving Halloween bar/party snacks and canapés for your guests.  Play around with the presentation and names of your serves. Visit https://uk.pinterest.com and search ‘Halloween Snacks’ for food presentation inspiration.
  • Coffee and Desserts – put a Halloween twist on your coffee and dessert options, eg. Spiced Pumpkin Latte (spiced pumpkin syrup can be purchased from larger supermarkets and online stores); Pumpkin Cake/Muffins/Cheesecake/Pie; Ladies Fingers; or Parkin (with cider and golden syrup for a toffee apple twist).
  • Cocktails – look for new cocktail recipes or add a Halloween spin to classic cocktails, eg. Pumpkin Martini, Bloody Mary, Black Russian or Halloween Punch. Presentation is key: think about the colour, names, glassware and decoration of your cocktails, and train all your team members on the making and serving of them.

Promotion and Advertising

Using an array of different communication channels is vital in reaching a variety of guests. Make sure your message through all marketing channels has a consistent style and tone. Below are some of the different channels you could use:

  • Website – make sure your website is kept up to date with information, news, and events you are holding for Halloween. If you are creating a special Halloween Menu, upload a PDF version to your website.
  • Social Media – keep active on social media to promote your event/offer and to keep guests engaged. Create an event on your Facebook page and encourage guests to ‘check in’ and write reviews about your event or activites.
  • A-Boards – create an advertisement that is easy to read at the entrance to your pub.
  • Posters/Flyers – use appropriate, contemporary designs that reflect your Halloween theme and the style of your event/activities.

 

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