As the nights draw in and autumn takes hold, October is packed with foodie dates, seasonal flavours, and community-spirited themes that pubs and bars can tap into. From comforting classics to indulgent treats, this month’s national days provide easy opportunities to keep customers coming back for more.
Early Month Highlights
1 October – International Coffee Day
Kick off the month with coffee at the centre of your menu. Espresso martinis, coffee stouts, or a “coffee & cookie” pairing can give midweek trade a lift. Add a vegetarian special too for World Vegetarian Day, making your menu more inclusive.
4 October – National Taco Day
Bring some colour to the weekend with taco specials paired with beer flights or margaritas. Don’t forget the sweet tooth crowd — it’s also Cinnamon Roll Day, perfect for a dessert special or spiced coffee pairing.
9 October – International Beer & Pizza Day
A ready-made pub classic. Pair house beers with pizzas for an irresistible combo. If you don’t have a pizza oven, team up with a local supplier or food truck for a night of sharable fun.
Mid-Month Momentum
12 October – National Pulled Pork Day & Farmers Day
Serve hearty pulled-pork sliders or tacos, while celebrating your local suppliers with “farm to table” dishes. This is a great moment to highlight your pub’s role in supporting the local community.
16 October – World Food Day
Run a fundraiser, host a local food donation drive, or showcase a menu of locally sourced dishes. Combine the cause with National Liqueur Day by shaking up some limited-edition cocktails.
17 October – National Pasta Day
Perfect for comfort-food season. Promote pasta specials with optional wine or beer pairings to elevate the midweek trade.
19 October – International Gin & Tonic Day
A natural fit for pubs and bars. Offer a gin flight, garnish upgrade options, or a “buy one, try one” gin special to draw in gin lovers.
Late-Month Energy
21 October – Apple Day & Pumpkin Cheesecake Day
Celebrate autumn flavours with apple desserts, ciders, and pumpkin-inspired treats. A “Taste of Autumn” platter or dessert-and-drink pairing is a simple way to extend dwell time.
25 October – National Greasy Foods Day
Lean into indulgence with loaded fries, fried chicken, or nachos — perfect for soaking up pints and boosting weekend trade.
26–27 October – Pumpkin Day & Potato Day
Carve out some pumpkin specials alongside hearty potato favourites — comforting dishes that keep customers warm as the weather cools.
31 October – Halloween & Caramel Apple Day
The ultimate October finisher. Think spooky cocktails, caramel apple desserts, themed décor, costume competitions, and live entertainment to make your venue the destination for the night.
All-Month Opportunities
- National Pizza Month – keep pizza promos running all month long, especially paired with beer.
- British Food Fortnight (26 Sept – 12 Oct) – showcase your best local and traditional dishes.
- National Sausage Week (22 Oct – 2 Nov) – an ideal excuse for sausage platters, bangers-and-mash specials, or beer & sausage pairing nights.
Why It Works
From pizza and tacos to coffee and cocktails, October’s national days are simple to activate and easy to market. With the right mix of indulgence, comfort, and community, pubs can keep midweeks lively and weekends buzzing. With a little planning, these dates help position your venue as the place to gather, celebrate, and connect this autum