Nearly three fifths (58%) of all visits to pubs over the course of a year occur during the four-month period from May to August - (Morning Advertiser May 2009)
Happy customers sitting out front will act as a great shop window for your pub- make sure the outdoor area is looking it's best for maximising sales.
Here are our top tips:
Outdoor furniture
Invest in some good seating, tables and nice-looking parasols for the front of your pub
Ensure a mix of table sizes to suit different groups of customers - don't just buy the biggest
Pubs with little space out front can make a difference with inexpensive picnic benches
Make use of extra space you may have, eg if the car park is never more than half-full use part of it for an outdoor area
A litterbin is also a good addition
Gardens
Enhance the front of your pub with a well-looked after trough display or hanging basket
Instal an automatic watering system to save you time - available from any DIY store or garden centre
Keep garden areas well stocked with flowers for colour and cut grass regularly
Why not make your pub exterior look attractive all year round with replica hanging baskets, plants, palm trees or topiary balls
Patio heaters
Check with the council that you can have heaters and that your smoking area complies with current regulations
Get professional advice on the heaters you need and where to install them, don't just buy the cheapest
Install timers or motion sensors to ensure maximum efficiency
Make sure you can switch off timers overnight
Stand alone heaters can take up vital seating space
Ask your customers if they want or need outdoor heating, they may be happy to wrap up more warmly
If you have heaters, put up a sign explaining why they are there and stating that they're efficient
Smoking shelters
Remember the three C's:
Comfort - a comfortable, warm and dry environment with appropriate lighting and furniture
Cleanliness - a clean inviting area with facilities for litter (stubbing units, ashtrays or wall-mounted ashtrays)
Compliance - a legally compliant area with suitable staff training
Food & drink
See our BBQ section for some great tips and safety advice
Click here to see our BBQ recipe ideas
