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.
What You’ll Find in the Pub Opening Checklist
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.
Download your Pub Opening Checklist to open your new pub with confidence:
FAQ
Is it free to download?
Yes, completely free!
Our aim at ResDiary is to support pub and bar operators to run successful, profitable hospitality venues. So, we share all of our insights for free - simply fill in the form to receive your copy of our Pub Opening Checklist.
Do you have any other resources?
We do indeed. Resources that go well with this guide include:
- Pubs and Bars in the UK and Ireland: A Look at What's Happening in 2025
- Infographic | Pub Statistics UK and Ireland: A Snapshot of the Industry in 2025
- How to Open a Pub: Our 7-Step Guide to Your Dream Pub
- How to Promote Your Venue: The Power of DesignMyNight and Other Tools
And for other resources to support your restaurant, you can find everything in our Resources Hub.