Guildford is one of only three towns in WA established in 1829. For hospitality owners, this isn’t a history lesson; it’s a unique selling proposition (USP). In a sea of modern concrete venues, Guildford offers soul, character, and stories.
But “charming” can quickly become “dusty” if not managed right. The goal is to retain the heritage appeal while signalling via your digital channels that your food, service, and beer systems are thoroughly modern.
The “Old World, New Taste” Strategy
Your digital content needs to bridge the gap between 1829 and 2025.
- The Website: Use serif fonts and heritage colours (creams, greens, burgundies) but ensure the site loads in under 2 seconds on mobile.
- The Menu: Market “Classic Pub Grub” but highlight quality. “Steak Sandwich” is good; “Black Angus Steak Sandwich with House Relish” is better.
Leveraging the “Swan Valley Gateway”
Thousands of cars drive through James Street every weekend heading to the wineries.
- The SEO Play: Optimise for “Best pub Swan Valley” and “Lunch near Swan Valley”. You want to catch them on the way in for breakfast/coffee, or on the way out for a hearty dinner.
- The “Driver’s Break”: Market yourself as the easy stop. “Ample parking”, “Kids playground”, “Dog friendly”.
Photography: Warmth & Wood
Heritage venues are often dark. This is a challenge for amateur photography.
- Highlight Textures: Photos should capture the grain of the old bar, the fireplace crackle, the stained glass.
- The Beer Garden: Guildford has some of Perth’s best beer gardens. Drone shots or wide-angle shots showing the scale of your outdoor area are essential for attracting summer crowds.
The “Haunted” Hook
It sounds gimmicky, but “Haunted Pubs Perth” gets significant search volume.
- Content Idea: Create a dedicated blog post or page about the history/spooky stories of your venue. It attracts media attention and curious visitors who stay for a pint to “calm the nerves”.
Weddings & Functions
Your ballroom or upstairs veranda is a distinct asset.
- Vintage Weddings: There is a huge market for “Vintage/Rustic Weddings”. You have the backdrop built-in.
- Visuals: Ensure your wedding gallery shows the venue dressed up. Show couples that “old” translates to “romantic”, not “run down”.
Local SEO: The Train Line
The Midland line makes Guildford incredibly accessible for non-drivers.
- Keyword: “Pubs near train station Perth”.
- Marketing: “Leave the car at home. We are 200m from Guildford Station.” This appeals to groups wanting to enjoy the beer garden responsibly.
Summary
Guildford hospitality is about stewardship. You are the custodian of a piece of WA history. Your marketing should reflect pride in that past, while eagerly inviting the modern diner to be part of its future.
Does your digital presence match your historic charm? Contact Amplify Creative Lab for heritage-focused marketing strategies.