Turn Online Searches Into Real Diners

When someone searches for:

  • “restaurant near me”
  • “pub in Sunderland”
  • “places to eat in South Shields”
  • “best Sunday lunch Newcastle”

they are usually ready to visit somewhere soon.

In fact, 76% of people who search for a local business on their smartphone visit within 24 hours.

That means your Google listing is now your digital shop window — and first impressions matter more than ever.

Why Virtual Tours Are So Powerful for Hospitality Businesses

Choosing somewhere to eat or drink is often based on atmosphere.

Customers want to know:

  • What the seating looks like
  • How spacious the venue is
  • Whether it’s modern or traditional
  • If it’s suitable for families or groups
  • What the bar or dining area looks like

A virtual tour allows potential diners to walk through your venue online before visiting.

Instead of relying on photos alone, they can:

  • Explore the restaurant layout
  • View seating areas
  • Check cleanliness
  • Experience the ambience

This builds trust instantly and makes customers far more likely to choose your venue over another nearby.

Restaurant Virtual Tour Statistics

  • Businesses with virtual tours are 2x more likely to generate interest
  • Listings with immersive content receive up to 87% more engagement
  • Customers spend up to 5–10x longer on listings that include virtual tours
  • 67% of people say online imagery influences where they choose to eat
  • 74% of customers are more likely to visit a venue with a virtual tour

For pubs and restaurants, this can directly influence bookings and walk-ins.

Why Google Maps Optimisation Matters for Restaurants & Pubs

When people search locally, Google shows a small section of businesses at the top of results called the Map 3-Pack.

Businesses in this section receive up to 44% of total clicks.

Local search statistics show:

  • 46% of all Google searches are for local information
  • 88% of people who search locally visit a business within 24 hours
  • 28% of local searches result in a purchase

Optimising your Google Business Profile helps your venue:

  • Appear higher in local searches
  • Increase booking enquiries
  • Get more phone calls
  • Generate more direction requests
  • Attract more walk-in customers

Combining Both for Maximum Impact

When you combine:

  • A professional virtual tour
  • An optimised Google Maps listing
  • Customer reviews
  • High quality imagery

your potential customers can:

  • Discover your pub or restaurant
  • Explore your venue
  • Check reviews
  • Get directions
  • Book a table

All without leaving Google.

Stand Out From Other Venues Across the North East

Many pubs and restaurants still rely on:

  • A few outdated photos
  • Basic listings
  • Limited online updates

Adding a virtual tour and optimising your listing helps your business:

  • Rank higher locally
  • Increase visibility
  • Build customer confidence
  • Encourage bookings
  • Convert searches into visits

Go Local 360 helps pubs and restaurants across the North East improve their online presence through immersive Matterport virtual tours and expert Google Maps optimisation.

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