Enterprise lessee launches ‘Facebook for pubs’

03-Jul-2013 - Last updated on 05-Jul-2013 at 08:14 GMT

The Pub Network allows pubs to set up profile pages and let customers know about events, offers and promotions

An Enterprise Inns lessee has created a ‘Facebook-style’ social media site to help pubs better engage with their customers.

Dave Preston, of the Tap House in Winsford, Cheshire, said The Pub Network (www.thepubnetwork.co.uk) is a free social space for both pubs and pub-goers to use.

It is said to offer all the usual features of social networking, including the ability to invite friends, launch groups, link to other social media, and link to local feeds for your area.

According to Preston, the site enables each pub to set up to its own profile page (linked with Facebook and Twitter) and let customers know about their latest events, offers and promotions. They will also be able to advertise jobs and access the latest offers from suppliers.

Customers, meanwhile, can invite friends from Facebook and Twitter and connect with other pub-users locally or across the UK.

The social network’s search facilities also allow users to look for individual areas of interest in any given location, such as pubs showing a specific football match, those with restaurants or family areas, or pubs that offer accommodation.

Preston explained that The Pub Network was his attempt to inject new life into the nation’s pub scene.

He said: “There are many challenges for the trade, but one thing pubs can all do together is promote their individual offers locally on a national online platform. Providing information to the customers is the key – the customer requires it and the publican must deliver it”.

“The Pub Network allows local people to find out instantly what is happening across all the pubs in their local area, as well as connect with like-minded pub-goers at the heart of their communities. Like with a TV guide, customers want to see what is offered every day of the week, rather than just on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday.”

Preston also claimed that he intends to build a promotional team to serve the needs of the industry, which could create 500 jobs.

“In short, the website provides a franchise opportunity across postcode areas to service pubs locally and local suppliers advertising on the site.”

The site is currently live, but will be officially launched in August.