Turn Your Soundtrack into Sales: How Cafés, Lounge Bars, Hotels and Spas Can Sell Their Background Music

In hospitality, atmosphere is everything, and music plays a vital role in creating it. 

The right soundtrack can turn an ordinary visit into a memorable experience, setting the tone for relaxation, connection, and comfort.

But have you ever noticed customers asking, “What’s this song?” or “I love your playlist. Do you sell it?”

That question signals an opportunity: turning your background music into an additional revenue stream.

Why Music Matters to Your Brand

Music isn’t just something playing in the background, it’s part of your brand identity. A well-curated soundtrack:

Encourages customers to stay longer

Enhances their emotional connection to your business

Shapes their perception of your style and values

When people enjoy the music in your café, bar, hotel or spa, they associate it with the comfort, calm or energy they felt in your space. Offering the same music for sale lets them take that feeling home — and gives you a new way to connect with them.

Selling CDs or Digital Albums

You don’t need to stock hundreds of titles — just a small, carefully chosen selection that reflects your venue’s atmosphere.

Cafés and coffee shops:

Display a few “Café Vibes” CDs near the till or on a shelf beside your merchandise. Include acoustic, indie or lo-fi chill albums that complement your brand.

Lounge bars:

Feature smooth jazz, soul, or chillout collections. Create a “Music from the Bar” corner, complete with candlelight and QR codes linking to digital playlists.

Hotels:

Stock curated CDs or download cards in reception or gift shops. Guests often want a memento of their stay — your hotel soundtrack could be exactly that.

Spas:

Your calming playlists can easily become “Spa Sounds” albums. Offer relaxation music for home use, perhaps bundled with aromatherapy oils or gift sets.

Get the Licensing Right

If you already play licensed music through PPL PRS, you’re covered for playing it on-site, but not for reselling recordings. You’ll need to stock officially licensed CDs or work directly with labels, distributors or independent artists. Many will offer wholesale pricing and even promotional materials for display.

Partner with Local Artists

Supporting local musicians benefits everyone, you, your customers, and the artists themselves. If your background music includes regional talent, invite those musicians to sell CDs through your venue. You could even host “acoustic evenings” or listening sessions to draw in more footfall.

Go Digital QR Codes and Playlists

If physical stock isn’t practical, go digital. Display QR codes at tables or near reception linking to your Spotify or Apple Music playlists. You can even earn affiliate income from downloads or streams while enhancing your brand’s digital presence.

Why It Works

It creates an emotional connection between your atmosphere and your guests.

It enhances your brand, turning your venue’s “vibe” into something tangible.

It supports artists, especially if you feature local or independent talent.

It adds a revenue stream with minimal setup.

The Sound of Success

For cafés, lounge bars, hotels and spas, music is part of the sensory experience. By selling your soundtrack, you extend that experience beyond your walls — giving customers something to remember you by and turning ambience into opportunity.

So next time a customer says, “I love this music,” make sure your reply is:

“You can take it home with you.”

How to Turn Your Venue into a Haven for Pet Owners with a Wall of Pets

If you run a pub, café, restaurant or retail space, you’ll know how powerful it can be to make your venue feel like part of the community. 

One simple, low-cost idea that brings people together — and keeps them coming back, is creating a Wall of Pets.

What Is a Wall of Pets?

A Wall of Pets is a dedicated space in your venue where customers can display photographs of their beloved animals. 

From cats and dogs to rabbits and parrots, it celebrates the pets that play such an important role in people’s lives. 

It’s more than decoration, it’s a conversation starter, a community builder, and a reason for customers to feel an emotional bond with your business.

Why It Works

Builds loyalty – People are more likely to return to a place that makes them feel welcome and valued.

Encourages repeat visits – Customers often bring friends or family to see “their” pet on the wall.

Creates shareable content – You can showcase the photos online, driving engagement and visibility for your venue.

Supports your brand – Whether you’re a cosy coffee shop or a lively pub, a pet wall helps communicate warmth and community spirit.

How to Set Up a Pet Photo Wall

Choose your space – A feature wall, corkboard, or even a digital slideshow on a screen.

Invite contributions – Ask customers to bring in a pet photo, or offer to print one for them.

Make it fun – Add captions with pet names, run “Pet of the Month” competitions, or host themed displays like “Christmas Pets.”

Get social – Share the photos on your social media with a unique hashtag to spread the word.

Partner locally – Work with nearby vets, shelters, or pet shops to promote the wall and perhaps highlight adoptable animals.

Going the Extra Mile

If your venue is dog-friendly, consider hosting pet-themed events such as a doggy brunch or a charity fundraiser. 

These occasions attract new faces and can generate extra revenue while strengthening your reputation as a welcoming, community-focused business.

Final Thought:

A Wall of Pets is a simple but powerful way to show your customers you care about what matters to them. By celebrating their furry (or feathered!) friends, you create an environment that’s not just a place to shop, drink or dine — but a haven where people and pets feel right at home.

National Food Bank Day – How Food and Drink Businesses Can Make a Difference

The first Friday of September is National Food Bank Day, a time to highlight the crucial work food banks do in tackling hunger and supporting vulnerable people in our communities. 

For the food and drink industry, this day is not just about awareness—it’s an opportunity to step up and make a lasting impact.

Why Food Banks Matter

Food banks provide emergency food parcels and essentials to families and individuals struggling to get by. With the rising cost of living, more and more people are turning to them as a vital safety net. 

In the UK, the Trussell Trust and independent food banks have seen demand increase sharply, making donations and community support more important than ever.

How Food and Drink Businesses Can Help

Food and drink businesses are uniquely placed to support food banks, both through direct action and by encouraging their customers to get involved. Here are a few practical ways:

Donate surplus stock: Restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and shops can partner with local food banks to redirect unsold but safe-to-eat food. This not only helps reduce waste but also ensures food goes to people who need it most.

Organise collection points: Pubs, cafés, and restaurants can set up drop-off points for customers to donate long-life items like pasta, rice, tins, and tea.

Launch fundraising campaigns: From donating a percentage of sales on National Food Bank Day to creating special charity dishes, businesses can raise money to support local food banks.

Collaborate with suppliers: Wholesalers, breweries, and producers can also get involved by donating stock or contributing funds to joint initiatives.

Host community events: Food-focused businesses can use their space for awareness events, community meals, or fundraisers in aid of food banks.

A Shared Responsibility

For the hospitality sector, supporting food banks is about more than charity—it’s about strengthening communities and ensuring that nobody in society is left behind. At its core, food is about connection, dignity, and care. Businesses that engage with local food banks not only help fight hunger but also show their customers and communities that they truly care.

Final Thoughts

This National Food Bank Day, food and drink businesses have a unique chance to make a tangible difference. Whether it’s donating surplus stock, running a fundraiser, or raising awareness among customers, every effort counts.

After all, in a sector built on sharing food and drink, what better way to give back than by ensuring no one in the community goes hungry?

The Etiquette of Using Free WiFi in Pubs and Restaurants for Business Purposes

In an era where remote work is more common than ever, the availability of free WiFi in pubs and restaurants is a significant convenience. 

Whether you’re sending emails, hosting virtual meetings, or getting deep into a complex project, or dealing with your online shop, these establishments can serve as an informal office. 

However, it’s important to balance your business needs with respect for the venue and its staff. Here are some key guidelines to ensure you use free WiFi responsibly and courteously.

1. Order Generously and Consistently

If you plan to use a pub or restaurant as your workspace, don’t treat it as a free co-working space. Purchase food and drinks regularly to compensate for the space you’re occupying. Consider ordering more than just a single coffee if you’re staying for hours – after all, the venue relies on paying customers to thrive.

2. Choose the Right Time

Avoid setting up your laptop during peak hours when space is at a premium. Lunchtime rushes or busy Friday evenings are not ideal for spreading out your work materials. Aim for quieter times when your presence won’t impede the business’s primary function: serving diners and socialising patrons.

3. Be Mindful of Space

Limit the amount of space you take up. Opt for smaller tables rather than sprawling across a booth meant for larger groups. Keep your belongings tidy and avoid cluttering the area.

4. Don’t Overstay Your Welcome

While it’s tempting to linger for hours, be conscious of how long you’ve been there. Staff might need the table for other customers, especially during busier times. If you’ve been working for several hours, it might be time to move on or at least place another order.

5. Avoid Distracting Others

If you’re taking calls or attending virtual meetings, use headphones and keep your voice low. Public venues are not the place for loud conversations or disruptive behaviour. Similarly, ensure your phone and laptop notifications are muted to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Also before plugging in your equipment to their power supply ask for permission, because "abstracting" electricity can be a criminal offence. 

6. Ask for Permission if Necessary

Some establishments explicitly allow customers to work, while others may discourage it. If you’re unsure, it’s polite to ask the staff if they’re okay with you using the space for business purposes. This can prevent awkward situations later.

7. Tip Generously

If you’re benefiting from the establishment’s amenities for an extended period, leave a generous tip as a token of appreciation for the staff’s hospitality. This is particularly important if you’ve only ordered modestly while using the space for hours.

8. Respect the WiFi Policy

Some establishments place limits on WiFi usage, such as time restrictions or data caps. Follow these guidelines and avoid hogging bandwidth with activities like streaming or large downloads.

9. Support Local Businesses

If you regularly use pubs and restaurants for work, make a point of supporting them beyond WiFi usage. Attend events they host, bring friends for meals, or recommend the venue to others.

Final Thoughts

Free WiFi in pubs and restaurants is a privilege, not a right. By being a considerate guest, you can maintain a positive relationship with these establishments and continue to enjoy their spaces for work. After all, good etiquette ensures that everyone – including the staff and other patrons – benefits from a pleasant and productive environment.

Would you add any other tips to this list? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!