Hospitality Music
Music programming
for restaurants.
The right music keeps guests longer, increases spend per table and makes your space feel intentional. Wrong music does the opposite - and most restaurants get it wrong. I build music strategies that match your brand, your kitchen and your guests.
Higher restaurant revenue when music tempo matches the dining pace
Journal of Consumer Research
Increase in customer dwell time with strategically curated music
Milliman Research
More drinks ordered in venues with lower BPM background music
North & Hargreaves
Of diners say music significantly affects their overall experience
Music Works
The problem
Most restaurant music is an afterthought.
A Spotify playlist on shuffle, a radio station someone chose years ago, or whatever the kitchen staff put on. The result is music that actively works against the dining experience - wrong tempo, wrong mood, wrong brand.
Wrong tempo turns tables too fast
Music above 120 BPM increases dining pace by up to 30%. Great for fast food, damaging for a restaurant aiming for a leisurely, high-spend experience.
Mismatched music signals a disjointed brand
Playing pop radio in a fine dining environment undermines every other premium signal you send - the plating, the service, the wine list.
Streaming music can expose you to legal risk
A personal Spotify subscription is for private use only. Most countries require a separate public performance licence to play music in a commercial venue.
Services
What I offer restaurants
Music Strategy & Audit
I analyse your venue, brand positioning, target guest and current music. You receive a complete music brief: genre palette, BPM ranges by daypart, mood arc and implementation recommendations.
Ideal for: New openings, brand refreshes, venues wanting to fix a music problem
Custom DJ Mixes
Professionally mixed sets built specifically for your venue and daypart. Each mix is 60-120 minutes, mixed for flow, and built around your exact brief. No shuffle, no algorithm - music that works the way you need it to.
Ideal for: Restaurants wanting consistent, branded background music
Ongoing Music Programming
Monthly fresh content delivered to your venue. I handle the curation, the scheduling and the daypart structure. You focus on the food and service, I handle the soundtrack.
Ideal for: Established venues wanting hands-off music management
Sonic Branding
A complete musical identity document for your restaurant group or brand. Covers genre palette, tempo ranges, artist references, what to avoid and implementation guidelines for any space or platform.
Ideal for: Restaurant groups, franchises, hotel F&B operations
The science
BPM is your most powerful tool.
Decades of research confirm that tempo directly controls dining pace. The right BPM at lunch keeps service moving. The right BPM at dinner keeps guests ordering another bottle. Most venues play the same music all day and leave money on the table.
Every mix I create is structured around your daypart goals - whether that's efficient weekend brunches, extended Friday evening dining, or after-dinner drinks that linger.
Discuss your venue →Energises staff, sets tone
Keeps pace without rushing
Comfortable, unhurried
Relaxed arrival energy
Slower = longer stays = more spend
Transitions toward bar mode
Who I work with
The right fit for every type of venue
Fine dining restaurants
Understated, musically sophisticated programming that supports the premium experience without competing with conversation.
Casual dining & bistros
Warm, genre-flexible programming that keeps the energy comfortable and the atmosphere genuinely inviting.
Cafes & coffee bars
Morning energy that builds gradually. The right BPM for productivity and atmosphere whether guests are working or socialising.
Hotel restaurants & bars
Music that bridges the hotel brand with the F&B environment. Often the hardest to get right, and the most impactful when done well.
Pop-ups and seasonal venues
Short-run events and seasonal openings need the right music from day one. Custom mixes let you launch sounding established.
Restaurant groups & franchises
Consistent sonic branding across multiple venues. One musical identity, implemented with appropriate local flexibility.
Process
How we work together
01
Discovery call
We talk through your venue, positioning, target guest and current music situation. Free, 30 minutes, no obligation.
02
Music brief
I develop your music strategy: genre palette, BPM by daypart, reference tracks and what to avoid.
03
First delivery
Custom DJ mixes or a curated playlist structure is delivered. You review and give feedback.
04
Ongoing
Monthly fresh content, seasonal updates and regular check-ins. Your music stays current and on-brand.
FAQ
Common questions
Can I legally play Spotify in my restaurant?
No. A personal Spotify subscription is for private use only. Most countries require separate registrations with local collecting societies to play music publicly in a commercial venue. The rules and organisations vary by country - check what applies where you operate. A custom mix replaces the streaming service; the venue registrations are always your own responsibility.
How is a custom DJ mix different from a playlist?
A DJ mix is professionally mixed into a continuous flow, with BPM and key transitions managed so the music works as a coherent soundtrack. Playlists shuffle between tracks with gaps and jarring jumps in energy. For a venue, the difference in experience is significant.
How many mixes do I need?
Most restaurants start with 2-3 mixes covering their main dayparts: a lunch mix, a dinner mix and possibly a weekend brunch or late-evening bar mix. The starter package covers one mix; I can advise on the right structure for your specific operation.
Do you work with venues internationally?
Yes. I work with venues worldwide. Delivery is digital, so location is not a constraint.
What information do you need from me to get started?
Ideally: your brand positioning, target guest profile, the vibe you are aiming for, your current music situation and any existing reference tracks or artists. The more context you give me, the more precisely I can build your brief. I cover this in the discovery call.
How long does it take to receive the first mix?
Typically 5-10 working days from the approved brief. Rush delivery (3-4 days) is available on request.
Ready to fix your restaurant's music?
A free 30-minute call is the place to start. No obligation.
