The great outdoors

As 12 April heralds the day that beer gardens and outdoor spaces can open again, here’s our guide on how to attract customers and kick-start those allimportant sales

The news that customers could return to drink or dine al fresco from 12 April sent shock waves through the hospitality sector, with many looking for ideas on how to make the most of these essential spring sales.

Top tip

OFFER MARSHMALLOWS OR S’MORES KITS TO TOAST AT THE FIRE PIT AND DRIVE UP INCREMENTAL SALES

UPGRADE OUTDOORS

If you already have an outdoor area set up, look at it carefully. Does it need some TLC to update it for the warmer months? Here’s our checklist of things to consider to give your outdoor space a more premium look and feel.

Dining pods or cabins

Far from a low-cost option, enclosed pods, huts, igloos and cabins can make your outdoor space weather-proof and enable social distancing with style – and allow you to charge a premium for the privilege. Plus they provide a sought-after novelty factor.

Parasols

Is it worth investing in new ones to create a slick, contemporary look outdoors? Or would a floating sail be more cost-effective. Look at options for shelter from the rain as well as shade from the sunshine.

Lighting

Make your outdoor space magical with fairy lights, solar lamps, lanterns and LEDs, which will also make your outdoor space transition from day to night.

Fire pits

Not only do these create atmosphere as the night draws in but they offer heating when the temperature drops too.

Heaters

Explore patio heaters to keep customers warm – just make sure you factor in their running costs to your overheads.

Plants

It doesn’t have to cost the earth to transform your space into an oasis. Look for planters with hardy evergreen shrubs or flowering plants, even Astroturf for a minimal-effort option.

TAKE THE BAR OUTSIDE

Could you create a dedicated bar outdoors with fridges containing bottles, cans and cartons?

Take orders and relay them to the kitchen with walkie talkies to cut down on trips to and from the kitchen.

Stock the bar with baskets of snacks and confectionery – make it extra-special with pre-made bags of pick and mix sweets for children.

Could you really deliver the wow factor by adding a slushie machine, ice cream machine or coffee machine?

NO OUTDOOR SPACE? NO WORRIES

You can still cash in on the relaxed restrictions by offering a great food-to-go offer. From breakfast rolls to Sunday lunch, barbecues to burritos, encourage customers to pick up food en route to a local park or after a walk by sharing your offer on social media.

GREAT SPORT

Could you set up a projector or rolling screen outdoors to follow the big sports events? Sports fans have missed the atmosphere during big events, so make sure you shout about it on social media, team it with a themed menu and drinks offer, and you’ll have a winning result.

BOOST YOUR MARGINS

Offering food with the healthiest margins will be key. Think fast food or street food with style, such as hot dogs, loaded fries, nachos, hog roasts, pizzas and BBQ burgers, chicken and vegetarian options. All of these are relatively low cost to set up and serve but can sell at a premium, especially when teamed as an offer with house wine, a pint or bottle of lager or a pitcher of cocktails or mocktails.

CHILD’S PLAY

If you’re looking to appeal to families, it will pay to make your outdoor space safe for little ones. Could you add a low fence and a gate to keep it enclosed, and maybe add some play equipment, a bouncy castle or trampoline? It doesn’t have to cost a fortune, but happy children means happy parents, which means they stay longer and spend more.

Top tip

COULD YOU PLACE BLACKBOARDS AND CHALK CLOSE TO TABLES AS AN EASY WAY TO OCCUPY YOUNG CUSTOMERS?

MAN’S BEST FRIEND

It’s only natural for customers to want to bring their furry friends when sitting outside, so make sure you offer bowls of fresh water and maybe a jar of dog treats too.

PACKAGING

Cut down on washing-up costs and improve your green credentials with single-use eco packaging that can be recycled when binned.

PERFECT PICNICS

You don’t have to go to the trouble of installing tables, chairs and benches to make the most of your outdoor space. Could you offer picnics and blankets for customers to enjoy? From sandwiches and crisps to a full sweet or savoury afternoon tea, a picnic offer could really set you apart from your competition with premium options (such as bottles of fizz and wicker hampers) to boost your bottom line.

FESTIVAL VIBES

As lockdown restrictions ease, make the most of your outdoor space by holding festival-themed events over weekends. Line up a great menu with drinks offers and live music, and you’ll have a hit on your hands.

TAKE IT OUTDOORS FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

Make your venue the place to go by cooking al fresco too. The easiest option is to set up a barbecue or a street food-style stand. It’ll relieve pressure on the kitchen and mean you can serve more food under social-distancing working restrictions.