After months of waiting, Brits can finally return to the pubs and restaurants for an afternoon pint and a bite to eat. It’s not entirely back to normal yet though, as customers will be seated outside to comply with the current social restrictions.
Beer gardens sound like a great idea in the warmer months, but April can be quite unpredictable. One day it might be time to debut that new summer dress, and the next day you’re layering on a scarf and gloves.
This means your beer garden needs to be able to keep your customers happy in all weather, so customers aren’t choosing to stay home instead.
Here are a few tips to make your beer garden the place to be no matter the weather.
Shelter from April Showers
Some form of shelter for your customers is a must, whether it’s to protect them from irregular April showers or to shade them from the sun.
If you’re planning on your beer garden becoming a permanent feature of your pub/restaurant, you could consider investing in a wooden shelter with decking. But if it’s just a temporary fix to entice customers in until they can come inside, marquees and gazebos will work just as well.
Serve your customers at their table
One of the biggest perks of lockdown has been that table service is a must-have in the hospitality sector.
Last time restrictions were lifted, waiters and waitresses were taking orders and settling payments on the move. Social contact restrictions will be staying in place for the next few months, so it’s essential to have the right equipment to keep business running smoothly and safely.
GPRS and Wi-Fi terminals allow your staff to take payments, split the bill and even collect tips directly at the table from a card machine. So if it’s a sunny day, customers can enjoy more time at the table with their friends instead of queuing at the bar. Or if it’s cold, your staff can wait on your customers while they warm by the heaters.
We have a range of card machines available to suit your business needs, request a callback from one of our specialist sales advisors today to discuss your options.
Get the right furniture
The furniture in your beer garden needs to be fit for purpose, comfortable customers will stay longer, but it’s also worth considering the weather your furniture will endure. Choose outdoor furniture that is not only weather-resistant but comfortable to relax in – as well as being arranged in line with social distancing restrictions.
Plastic furniture might sound like the answer. No rotting, no staining, but the weight could be an issue on a windy day. Alternatives include synthetic wood or metallic furniture, which are built specifically for outdoor use.
Invest in high-quality, comfortable benches, tables and chairs from the outset because you’ll need your beer garden intact no matter the weather. Maintain the quality of your furniture and keep it looking new for longer by stacking and covering anything that’s being left outdoors to prevent rotting and dirt.
Homely touch
Blankets and cushions are the perfect addition to any occasion in a beer garden, whether it’s a cool summer evening or a chilly spring afternoon. Small homely touches like this can keep your customers ordering all night long.
Need some help funding upgrades for your beer garden? Card saver can offer you an easy alternative to bank loans with our cash advance scheme. Receive anywhere between £1,000 and £1,000,000,000 to give your business the freshen up it needs.