As the evenings draw in and autumn properly settles, November offers pubs and bars plenty of food-and-drink occasions to lean into. From cosy comfort-food mains to cause-driven nights and seasonal flavours, there are strong hooks to keep guests coming in as the weather cools and the festive season edges closer.
Early Month Highlights
1 November – World Vegan Day
Start the month by tapping into plant-based trends. Offer a vegan version of a pub classic (think vegan pie or loaded fries) plus a signature vegan cocktail or mocktail. Promote it as inclusive and forward-thinking.
5 November – Guy Fawkes Night (Bonfire Night)
Capitalize on the crowds heading to local fireworks displays. Offer hearty fare like baked potatoes, toffee apples, and warming stews, along with mulled drinks to keep guests cosy before and after the show. Think “pre- and post-fireworks” specials — a perfect way to draw in families, friends, and anyone looking to warm up after the bonfire excitement.
9 November – Remembrance Sunday / 11 November – Armistice Day
These are more solemn but still provide a context for a calm, respectful pub moment. Perhaps a special remembrance menu item (charcuterie board, local beer tribute) or a quieter weekday event tied to community and reflection.
Mid-Month Momentum
All November – Movember (Men’s Health Awareness Month)
Run a “mustache” drinks special, or a beer/sports night with part of proceeds going to charity. Men’s health is a good cause for pubs to lean into—combine fun and purpose.
14 November – National Pickle Day
A great way to create a special side dish or snack pairing: pickled vegetables alongside craft beers, or a pickle-themed burger night.
28 November – Black Friday
Although more retail-focused, pubs can harness the shopping crowds for pre- or post-shopping meet-ups. Think “after-work drink deals”, share platters, or happy hour specials to capture shoppers winding down.
Late-Month Energy
29 November – St Andrew’s Day (Scotland’s national day)
If your venue has any Scottish links (whisky, craft beer, or Scottish comfort food), this is a fun niche. Promote a Scotch whisky flight, haggis and neeps dish, or live music if you can.
30 November – End-of-month wrap up
Use the final day of November to celebrate the month’s themes: a “Cheers to November” night with crowd-favourite dishes, highlight the vegan and Movember specials, and set the stage for December.
All-Month Opportunities
- Plant-based comfort food: With World Vegan Day and Movember on the agenda, promote vegan mains and shareable vegan snacks all month.
- Warming seasonal flavours: Think root vegetables, braises, cider- or stout-based recipes. As the nights get longer, people want comfort and warmth.
- Cause-driven nights: Movember, Remembrance, community-led events provide strong hooks for promotions that do more than just sell food and drinks—they build loyalty.
- Pre-holiday positioning: With Black Friday looming and December looming, use November to fill mid-weeks and early evenings before the full Christmas rush hits.
Why It Works
November gives pubs a strong combination of purpose, seasonality, and social occasions. From the fire-and-flavour vibe of Bonfire Night to inclusive vegan specials, from cause nights to the pre-holiday momentum of Black Friday, you’ve got built-in promotional moments that are easy to activate and market. Dishes and drinks can lean into comfort, warming flavours, and shareability—perfect for a pub environment. With some smart planning, your venue can be the go-to local spot for food, flavour and community throughout the m