Serve Up a Slice of History: How Sharing Your Venue's Past Can Attract More Customers

In the world of hospitality, atmosphere and storytelling are just as important as food and drink. 

One often-overlooked way to set your venue apart and deepen its appeal is to explore the history of your building — and then share that story with your customers.

Whether you operate from a centuries-old coaching inn, a converted Victorian shopfront, or a former factory now reborn as a cocktail bar, your premises likely has a story to tell. 

By researching that story and turning it into a booklet, display, or series of posters, you not only educate — you entertain and engage your customers on a deeper level.

Why History Adds Value

Customers love a good story. A venue with a past has personality. People enjoy eating or drinking somewhere with a unique atmosphere or a quirky anecdote attached.

It builds loyalty and pride. Locals appreciate seeing their town’s or neighbourhood’s heritage celebrated — and they’ll bring visiting friends and family to show it off.

It generates press interest. A newly discovered bit of history or a historical launch event can lead to coverage in local media or heritage publications.

It gives you content. History can fuel blog posts, newsletters, social media features and even seasonal events or menus inspired by the past.

How to Start Your Research

Visit your local history centre or library – they often have old maps, newspapers, and records.

Speak to your local historical society or long-time residents.

Look through the National Archives, British Newspaper Archive, or local council planning records.

Explore online tools like Historic England’s Listed Buildings database or Old Maps UK.

Search for census records, old trade directories, and photographs that might feature your building.

Ways to Share Your Venue’s Story

1. Create Wall Posters or Panels

Design tasteful, informative posters or panels with text and images, framed and displayed around your premises. Include:

A timeline of the building’s history

Photos of the building through the ages

Fascinating facts or quirky anecdotes

Profiles of past owners, famous visitors, or historical uses

2. Publish a Booklet or Pamphlet

Offer a small printed booklet for guests to browse or buy. Great for:

Hotel guests wanting a keepsake

Customers interested in architecture or local history

Tourists looking for something different

3. Take It Online

Publish the content on your website or blog

Share snippets on social media (“Throwback Thursdays” or “Did You Know?” features)

Add a QR code on your menu or tables linking to the full history online

4. Host a Heritage Event

Launch your history display or booklet with:

A special themed menu from the venue’s era

Period music or dress

Talks from local historians

A heritage open day or walking tour

Real-Life Examples

A former railway station café that displays historical railway timetables and old passenger anecdotes.

A Georgian pub that researched old recipes and recreated historic dishes for a themed tasting night.

A seafront tearoom that discovered it was once a smugglers’ hideaway and created a pirate-themed children’s menu and booklet.

A former cinema decorated with special themed carpeting and cinema posters and film evenings when the original projectors are used to show special films.

Final Thought

Your venue’s story is a free but powerful asset. In a world where customers crave connection, authenticity, and memorable experiences, sharing your building’s history adds charm and character that no chain or franchise can replicate.

So go on — dig into the past, bring it to life, and serve your guests a story they’ll remember long after the last bite or sip.