Thinking of opening a pub? Whether you're planning your first venue or expanding your portfolio, our pub opening checklist is your essential guide to getting it right from day one.
This 7-step guide walks you through every stage of the journey, with simple checklist tasks to keep you on track and tick off as you go: from defining your concept to pulling your first pint. By following these steps, you'll avoid common pitfalls of opening a new hospitality venue, and fast-track your launch!
Crafted by the hospitality experts at ResDiary and DesignMyNight, this guide is designed specifically for UK-based pub and bar operators.
This checklist is a must for new operators opening their first pubs, but it's also a great touchpoint for existing pub operators looking to reassess their operations or expand their business into new venues.
It's the concise, task-by-task breakdown of our blog How to Open a Pub: Our 7-Step Guide to Your Dream Pub:
✅ How to define your pub’s concept and brand
✅ Creating a business plan and securing funding
✅ Navigating licences and legal requirements
✅ Designing your venue and hiring your team
✅ Must-have pub tech (POS, booking systems, inventory tools)
✅ How to build a buzz before launch day
✅ Growth strategies for the first 12 months
Download this checklist for a clear to-do list to utilise, or read the full blog for an in-depth exploration of what you need to consider when opening a new pub.