Seasonal opportunities

Whatever the weather may have in store for us this summer, follow these tips to make your venue the hottest place in town

Help your venue to pack a punch this summer by embracing everything the sunshine has to offer. From impulse purchases by customers looking for a quick and low-cost way to cool down, to inspiring those heading to a barbecue or picnic, there are so many ways you can increase your bottom line.

It’s a summer full of sport this year too, with Euro 2024, the Olympics a stone's throw away in Paris and the annual classics such as Wimbledon gracing our screens once more.

Head outdoors

If your venue is blessed with outdoor space or a beer garden, you're in the perfect position to maximise footfall and spend.

Get the barbecue fired up early (the delicious smell alone will encourage more diners) and keep it rolling throughout the afternoon. Burgers, sausages and chicken legs might be the classic go-to options but mix it up with flavour variations. Remember to cater for those looking for gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan choices too. Make some simple

low-cost investments to boost your garden’s aesthetic and make it more enticing. Firstly, make sure your tables and chairs are cleaned with a pressure washer at the start of the season and wipe them down frequently throughout each day. Nobody wants to sit with old crumbs from that morning’s breakfast. Secondly, add some festoon lights, cosy outdoor rugs and pop some blankets nearby for the chillier evenings. Live musicians are a great way to create the perfect atmosphere for a summer’s evening.

TOP TIPCREATE A SEASONAL DISPLAY FOR CUSTOMERS LOOKING TO PACK UP A PICNIC. THINK SAUSAGE ROLLS, OLIVES AND CORONATION CHICKEN SANDWICHES WITH A SLICE OF SHORTBREAD TO FINISH

Summer of sports

If you listen very carefully, you may already be able to hear the faint roars of crowds cheering. The sporting calendar is full to the brim with exciting events this year and with them brings the opportunity to maximise your sales, if you plan carefully.

If your venue is a bar or a pub, having a TV (even if just for the summer) is a sure-fire way to ensure that customers stick around for longer. Make use of social media to let your customers know they can watch sporting events at your venue and consider offering promotions while they are on.

Placing subtle decorations around your venue, such as bunting, is a great way to get into the spirit. Why not sell some themed food, too? You could offer strawberries and cream for Wimbledon or a cake featuring the UK flag for the Olympics.

TOP TIPSDON’T FORGET THE DRINKS! KEEP A SELECTION OF SUMMER FAVOURITES, SUCH AS ROSÉ, FIZZY DRINKS AND FRUIT JUICES IN THE FRIDGE READY FOR WARMER DAYS. STOCK UP ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEER, SUCH AS HEINEKEN 0.0%, TO GIVE THOSE NOT DRINKING ALCOHOL A VARIETY OF OPTIONS TOO

SUMMER SIZZLER

For an easy no-bake summer pud, de-stem and cut 200g of fresh strawberries into quarters. Pop them in a bowl and sprinkle over 2 tbsp of granulated sugar. Let this sit for 20 minutes. While you’re waiting, whip together 250ml of cream in a large bowl with 3 tbsp of icing sugar and 1 tsp of vanilla bean paste until you have soft peaks. Add the sweetened strawberries to the cream mixture, cover with cling film and pop in the fridge for up to an hour. Delicious.

Dates for your diary

04-30 June: Cricket World Cup

14 June - 14 July: Euro 2024

29 June - 21 July: Tour de France

1-14 July: Wimbledon

26 July - 11 August: Paris 2024 Olympics

26 August - 8 September: US Open Tennis Championships

28 August - 8 September: Paralympic Games

31 August - 22 September: FIFA U20 Women's World Cup