Booking software for pubs
Take private hire bookings online, collect deposits automatically, manage catering pre-orders, and assign bar staff — all from one dashboard. Stop losing bookings to unanswered calls and unread emails.
How most pubs manage bookings today
- Enquiries arrive by phone, email, and Facebook message
- Bookings recorded in a paper diary or shared spreadsheet
- Deposits chased by bank transfer — often never paid
- Catering orders taken verbally and forgotten
- Staff rotas on WhatsApp with last-minute changes
How SpaceHelm changes that
- Branded online booking portal — customers book 24/7
- Deposits collected by card at the time of booking
- Catering pre-orders captured and sent to the kitchen
- Staff assigned to events with automatic notifications
- All bookings in one calendar — no double-bookings
Everything a pub needs to manage bookings professionally
Eight modules built for the realities of running a pub with a function space.
Private hire & function room bookings
Take private hire enquiries and bookings online. Customers see real-time availability and can book without calling — reducing no-shows with automatic confirmations.
Deposit collection at booking
Require a deposit when the booking is made. No more lost bookings from customers who never paid. Deposits are held and applied to the final balance automatically.
Catering pre-orders
Let customers pre-order food and set menus at the time of booking. Your kitchen gets the order in advance — no last-minute chaos on the night.
Bar staff rota & assignments
Assign bar staff and event coordinators to each booking. Staff receive their schedule on any device and can see exactly what's expected for each event.
Recurring bookings
Set up regular quiz nights, live music slots, and weekly private hire as recurring bookings. No re-entry needed each week.
Meetings & supplier scheduling
Schedule meetings with bar delivery reps, food suppliers, maintenance contractors, and brewery representatives — all in the same calendar.
Multi-room management
Running a beer garden, a snug, and a main function room? Manage all spaces from one calendar with separate availability and pricing for each.
Revenue & occupancy reporting
See which nights and spaces generate the most revenue. Identify quiet periods and make informed decisions about promotions and pricing.
Simple, transparent pricing
Online bookings, calendar management, invoicing, and email notifications. Everything a smaller pub needs to get started.
Everything in Starter plus recurring bookings, online payment collection, catering pre-orders, and staff rota tools.
Frequently asked questions
Can customers book our function room online without calling?
Yes. SpaceHelm gives your pub a branded online booking portal where customers can check availability, select a date, choose catering options, and pay a deposit — all without picking up the phone. You receive an instant notification for every new booking.
How do deposits work?
You set the deposit amount (fixed or percentage) for each space. When a customer books online, they pay the deposit by card immediately. The balance can be collected automatically before the event or settled on the night — your choice.
Can we manage catering pre-orders through SpaceHelm?
Yes. Customers can select from your set menus and pre-order food at the time of booking. Your kitchen receives a consolidated order summary before the event, so there are no surprises on the night.
Does it work for pubs with multiple rooms?
Yes. You can set up as many spaces as you need — main function room, snug, beer garden, private dining area — each with its own availability calendar, capacity, and pricing.
What does it cost?
SpaceHelm starts at £29/month (VAT included) for the Starter plan. The Professional plan at £79/month (VAT included) adds recurring bookings, online payment collection, catering management, and staff rota tools.
Ready to take your pub bookings online?
Start your free 14-day trial — no credit card required. Set up your function spaces and start taking bookings today.