How to Design a Pub That Attracts More Customers

Posted on 5/1/2026, 5:11:22 PM

Over time, pub spaces can deteriorate and become less enticing for patrons to walk in, let alone stay for a pint or for a meal if offered.

Everything about a pub’s appearance, from the inside to the outside, influences the willingness to go and check it out. New customers will be wary of walking into pubs they’ve not been in before and will use that first impression as the decider on whether to go in or not.

Designing a pub that attracts more customers will rely on a blend of authentic atmosphere, a functional layout, and strategic comfort. It all needs to be tailored to a defined target audience, which may consist of everyday locals that come in for a drink or two and tourists coming from afar to try out your lunchtime or dinner menus. 

Modern and successful pubs will focus on creating a social-media-friendly space, incorporating versatility into the areas of the space, and making it a sustainably driven spot to appeal to the eco-conscious customers.

Define Your Vibe & Target Audience

Before spending money on a fitout, you’ll want to define the vibe your pub is going to have, whether it had that vibe before or not. Your target audience will also influence that vibe, as the last thing you want to do is switch up the style and aesthetic for a target audience that doesn’t match up.

So with that being said, who are you looking to attract?

• Young professionals - Appreciate the trendy styles and sleek furniture. Modern technology is a big plus, as well as a vibrant and buzzing atmosphere.
• Locals - Create a welcoming and cosy, traditional environment that’s matched with comfortable and durable seating.
• Families - Beneficial to create dedicated zones for families with space for buggies, as well as easy-to-clean flooring and furniture too.

Layout & Atmosphere Design

The layout and the design of the space should facilitate both flow and comfort. It shouldn’t just be about maximising the seating capacity potential, even though that’s what will help you boost your profits. 

It’s all about striking a balance when it comes to providing ample space, but with enough table covers to make the money needed to keep it going.

Create zones

Offer a mix of high-top stools for individuals and couples to sit on, cosy booths for groups and then the smaller, more intimate tables spaced around the pub.

Aim for open and spacious layouts

When it comes to creating space, opt for open layouts. Move away from cramped, cluttered layouts and favour the open, accessible spaces instead. This can often provide a great deal of flexibility with the space, too, particularly if you’re looking to put on events.

Themed nooks

Make use of unique design elements to create distinct areas within the pub itself. This could be with local artwork on bookshelf walls. These all help something different within the space that caters to various patrons at the pub.

Lighting is crucial

Lighting is definitely an important one. You should try to avoid any strip lighting and use dimmers instead to create warm and flexible lighting settings. 

You can also experiment with layered lighting from accent, to ambient and task options. Being able to have a variety of lighting levels helps to transform the space dramatically and to switch it up for different times throughout the day, as well as for different events the pub has on.

"Instagrammable" & Unique Design Elements

Nowadays, a lot of the modern customers, especially the younger generations, look for a pub that not only has great energy, great food and drinks, but will also look good on social media.

Therefore, it’s good to dress the space to encourage customers to take and share photographs. Make use of signature backdrops like a feature wall. This could be a neon sign or a living garden wall with the business name nestled within it.

Unique decor is also a great way of showing off the space and encourages customers to take and share photos in and around the space. Make use of local history and unique artwork, for example.

Natural elements are also great to use, like indoor plants and natural wood to create calming, modern, biophilic atmospheres.

4. Optimise the Exterior

The exterior is also a space that needs optimising, so you must make the outside as inviting as the inside, which helps draw in passing foot traffic.

Always focus on the cleanliness of the outside space. Keep windows, walls and sidewalks free from dirt and cigarette butts.

Add some hanging baskets and fresh signage to make the exterior pop. Investing in comfortable, sturdy outdoor furniture can also help make the space more usable. Not to mention adding in heaters and coverings to get more usage out of your outdoors all year round.

5. Elevate the Comfort and Amenities

To elevate your pub design, comfort and providing the right amenities is key. Customers will stay a lot longer and spend more if they feel comfortable in the space.

Invest in comfortable chairs and booths, particularly if you want to encourage people to hang around for longer. Never overlook the bathrooms, so keep them clean and well-lit, as well as decorated to match the pub’s theme.

Acoustic management is also essential in order to manage the noise that can make conversations difficult to hear. That means using the right soft furnishings, for example.

6. Integrate Technology and Modern Trends

Consider integrating more technology within the space so that you’re able to maximise the longevity of your patrons. You could also utilise technology to create remote working-friendly spaces that could benefit your pub during the quieter times of the day. Maybe offer a meal deal or a discounted drink to entice them to spend more money, too.

Order and pay with tech integrated and have some interactive features like a digital screen for checking into their booking or a curated playlist that encourages customer interaction.

7. Sustainable Design

Sustainability is the buzzword nowadays, especially amongst younger generations that are well aware of the impact their actions are having on the world.

Therefore, it’s essential to incorporate a sustainable design in order to appeal to modern consumers. Such examples could be using reclaimed materials for tables and decor, or investing in energy-efficient lighting and water-saving fixtures.

All of these design tips will help attract the customers you need now and in the future.