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The first rule of trading through the winter months is managing your venue’s cashflow. You literally have to save for a rainy day!
As the advice in this ar ticle spells out, it’s crucial to think strategically about winter before the worst months hit.
It’s also important to run your business differently. Turn a negative into a positive and look for ways to leverage winter to draw in crowds. That might be a Foxtel promotion for a program that people can’t access at home, or it might be something like a stout dinner.
Look for the subtle changes you can make to your outdoor area to make it more energy efficient. For example, is permanent heating more cost effective than using gas bottles?
Winter feels long but it’s quite short. Get your thinking right and focus your energy.
Winter happens every year. Keep your plans and improve them on an annual basis. Don’t recreate them every time.

PROTECTING OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Winter weather can be harsh on outdoor furniture and amenities, leading to damage and costly replacement.
To protect these assets and prolong their lifespan, it's important to take preventive measures.
Make sure your staff cover furniture during wild weather when nobody will be sitting outside.
Store furniture that is not in use for months on end. If storage space is limited, invest in durable covers that can withstand the elements.

Guest safety should be a top priority, especially during the worst of winter’s weather conditions when it’s dark and wet and windy.
Provide ample lighting: Ensure that all outdoor areas, including entrances, pathways, and parking lots, are well-lit.
Use absorbent mats or rugs at entrances to prevent water from being tracked into your hotel. This will help keep interior floors dry and reduce the risk of slips and falls.

If people are not warm, they won’t return.
It’s a challenge to heat outdoor spaces – but heating continues to evolve with the addition of new technology and broader ranges, so be open to new ideas such as ambient heating.
Older pubs with uneven surfaces and high ceilings can consider drop pole heating, which allows the poles to be adjusted to different lengths at either end.
Some companies are able to provide design advisory as well, so that the solution fits your design aesthetic.
Having some portable heaters on hand gives you flexibility. You can move them around for functions and use them to supplement fixed heating in certain weather conditions.

Leverage winter themes in your marketing. Use your social media to emphasise the cosy atmosphere that your property offers to entice new guests.
Create enticing winter packages that include special amenities or activities that are unique to the season.
Consider winter-themed decorations. Use warm lighting, blankets and seasonal accents to put your guests in the right mood.
Highlight seasonal dishes, hear ty soups and comfort foods.
Promote your winter cocktails, dark beers and warm drinks.
For the worst months, do the sums on offering special rates. You can also bundle services such as accommodation and dining vouchers to create added value.
Host winter-themed events. Promote them through your website, social media channels, and local event listings.

The first step in weatherproofing your small hotel is to assess the property for potential winter hazards. This includes identifying areas that may be prone to leaks, drafts, or structural issues that could be exacerbated by harsh weather conditions. Start by inspecting the exterior of the building, paying close attention to the roof, windows, and doors. Look for any signs of damage or deterioration.
How are your chimneys? Do you know? For safety and patron comfort reasons, it pays to have a regular check of your fireplaces – and always use a professional cleaner.
Insulating your hotel is crucial for conserving energy and reducing heating costs during the winter season. Inadequate insulation can lead to significant heat loss, resulting in higher energy bills and an uncomfortable environment for your guests.