Pubs and bars: your Christmas and New Year guide

Cocktail recipes, NYE ideas and how to start the festivities early…

Build the festive buzz

Keep the Christmas energy high right from the start of the month. Program live music, themed quizzes or comedy nights every Friday and Saturday in December. Kicking the entertainment off earlier captures customers before the peak rush and makes the most of ‘Mad Friday’ – the last Friday before Christmas and one of the busiest nights in hospitality. Use social media countdowns, themed decor and seasonal food and drink pairings to generate excitement. Consider pre-booked packages for groups to secure spend and make it easy for guests to plan their celebrations.

Deck the halls

Create a warm, inviting atmosphere all month long and encourage guests to linger. Swap everyday glassware for festive styles, add fairy lights, wreaths and seasonal centrepieces. Branded decorations can double as marketing props, for example festive photo backdrops with your logo subtly included. Add candles or LED tealights to tables for a cosy glow, and bring the outside in with evergreen foliage or potted poinsettias. A beautifully decorated venue instantly feels more special, making guests more likely to order that extra round.

Mix it up

Tequila is one of the UK’s fastest-growing spirits. Why not give it a seasonal twist with a tequila and cranberry cocktail? Or add a playful Santa’s Little Helper to your festive drinks menu. Bestsellers like Carling and Madri should still take centre stage for easy crowd-pleasers. Showcase a limited-time festive drinks list and consider serving cocktails in punch bowls or pitchers – they work brilliantly for group bookings to boost spend per head. Don’t forget that alcohol-free options such as Casillero Del Diablo Zero Sparkling are a must for designated drivers and Dry January crossovers.

To try our Cheeky TVC recipe click here.

To try our Santa’s Little Helper recipe click here.

New Year’s party magic

To increase spend give your New Year’s Eve event stand-out appeal with a theme that sparks excitement. From a glamorous black-tie casino night to a playful ‘Famous Icons’ dress code, the right theme adds instant atmosphere. Guests love themed photo moments they can share online – doubling up as free marketing for your venue. Ticketed events mean you can control numbers, plan food and drink quantities, and ensure a smoother service. Add extras like a midnight fizz toast, confetti cannons or themed table props to max margins.

Finale feasts

Food and drink set the tone for a memorable New Year’s Eve that begins way before midnight. Mix elegance with inclusivity by offering a menu that caters to all dietary needs, from vegan mains to gluten-free desserts. Canapés and grazing boards work well for mingling. Of course fizz is a big focal point. Offer everything from champagne cocktails and prosecco spritzes to sparkling no alcohol serves such as Eisberg Selection Blanc de Blancs 0.0% that keep glasses topped up. A late night dessert bar will make sure the energy levels are high and gives guests a reason to stay celebrating after the countdown.