The short answer
In our experience, managed hospitality social media support is commonly quoted from roughly £400 to £2,000+ per month, depending on the number of platforms, content volume, filming requirements and level of strategic support. This reflects the quotes and briefs we see in practice rather than an independently researched industry statistic. Towards the lower end you are typically buying scheduling of content you supply; towards the upper end you are usually buying regular in-venue content capture and a wider creative remit.
For reference, our own packages are £595 per month (Presence), £1,095 per month (Momentum) and £1,895 per month (Creative Partner). Each includes artwork and a consultancy allowance as well as the social output — the full comparison is here.
What actually moves the price
Two quotes at the same number can describe very different amounts of work. These are the variables worth pinning down before you compare anything.
- Volume of output. Eight feed posts a month is a different job to sixteen posts, twenty-four stories and four reels. Ask for the monthly numbers in writing.
- Number of channels. Managing two platforms properly costs less than stretching the same content across four with no adaptation.
- Who creates the content. The single biggest driver. If the venue supplies photography, the fee drops and the burden moves to your team. If the supplier shoots in-venue, expect to pay for the day.
- Design and artwork. Menus, posters and campaign artwork are separate craft. Some fees include a set number of items; some bill them as extras.
- Video and reels. Editing time is real time. Reels are usually the line that separates a mid fee from a high one.
- Community management. Comments and DMs are a daily commitment, and someone has to answer them in your voice.
- Strategy and reporting. A monthly plan tied to your trading pattern, and a report that says what changed, takes senior time.
- Sites covered. Multi-venue operators should expect scope and price to be agreed per site rather than assumed.
Roughly what each price band buys
- Under £400 per month. Scheduling and light posting, usually from content you provide. Fine as a holding position, weak as a growth plan.
- £400–£700 per month. A consistent managed presence: a monthly plan, a set number of posts and stories, captions, scheduling and basic reporting. Our Presence package sits here at £595 with 8 posts, 8 stories and 2 design items.
- £700–£1,300 per month. Social plus design and campaign work — more volume, reels, additional platforms, and creative built around specific trading periods. Momentum sits here at £1,095.
- £1,300–£2,000+ per month. A full creative department: higher volume, regular local content capture, community management and website support. Creative Partner sits here at £1,895.
The cost most operators forget
The fee is the visible number. The hidden cost is your own team's time — briefing, chasing, approving, and shooting content between services. A cheaper supplier that needs three hours a week of a general manager's attention is not cheaper; it has moved the cost onto the payroll line and out of your marketing budget.
The other hidden cost is drift. Inconsistent posting doesn't just underperform, it slowly stops representing the venue, so the next campaign has to fight for attention it should already have.
How to compare quotes properly
- Ask for monthly output numbers: posts, stories, reels, design items.
- Ask who shoots the content, how often, and whether that is in the fee.
- Ask whether print and in-venue artwork is included or extra.
- Ask what the reporting covers and who you speak to monthly.
- Ask for the term, notice period and what happens if you change level.
- Separate management fee from any ad spend.
If two quotes still look identical after those six questions, choose the one that understands your trading pattern. Content that ignores which sessions are soft is decoration.
Frequently asked questions
How much does social media management cost for a restaurant in the UK?
In our experience, managed hospitality social media support is commonly quoted from roughly £400 to £2,000+ per month, depending on the number of platforms, content volume, filming requirements and level of strategic support. The Foundry's packages are £595, £1,095 and £1,895 per month, each including artwork and an operator consultancy allowance.
Is a freelancer cheaper than an agency?
Usually yes on the invoice, and the trade-off is capacity and cover. A freelancer is often one person handling planning, shooting, design and replies, which works well until holidays, illness or a launch week.
Should paid advertising budget be included in the fee?
Keep them separate. Management fees cover the work; ad spend goes to the platform. Ask any supplier to quote them as two lines so you can see what you are paying for.