Everyone is becoming more and more aware of the damage we are doing to the planet. People involved in the pub industry, from owners and landlords to customers and workers are no exception. As pub-refurbishment specialists we have witnessed a growing movement towards eco-friendly pubs, as drinkers become more socially aware.
Small eco-friendly steps:
The pub world has been very active in pursuing a ban on plastic straws. They will be banned from April 2020. We’ve found that many pubs are already using eco-friendly alternatives, such as paper, bamboo, steel and edible straws!
Bars catering for the younger demographic are generally more socially aware. There is a growing movement among young people who prefer not to drink alcohol. This new way of socialising has led to the establishment of a chain of three alcohol-free bars in London.
There has also been a considerable reduction in single-use plastic water bottles. Canned water may be more expensive, but consumers appreciate the price that needs to be paid for a cleaner planet.
Eco-friendly pub refurbishments:
Many of the leading pub operators we work with, such as EI Group, M&B and Fullers Smith and Turner are all working to increase their sustainability. Eco-friendly refits include LED lighting as standard in the front of house and the installation of kitchen extracts and boilers with energy-saving features. There’s also a growing trend towards outdoor heaters that react to passive infrared sensors (PIR) or that work on controlled timers.
Water-saving taps have been a feature in pubs for many years, and we’ve seen an increase in requests for waterless urinals when pub operators are refurbishing.
The growing popularity of electric cars has got pub operators thinking differently. We have started to see a rise in the installation of electric vehicle charging points at pubs. What a great way of getting customers into your pub for a quick pitstop! They can leave the car on charge for an hour while enjoying lunch and a non-alcoholic drink!
Recycling more than bottles:
Fullers, Smith and Turner are very keen on the upcycling of furniture, lighting and bric-a-brac. The recent trend for using recycled furniture adds a great deal of depth, history and individuality to a project. The design trick of adding a piece of furniture that feels totally out of touch with the rest of an aesthetic can often work well as a focal point. FST store all their furniture during a pub refurbishment with a company called the Plant Republic based in Birmingham. They don’t just store the item but will invariably repaint, reupholster and refurbish a piece ready to return to the project.
Reclaimed timbers, antique lights, vintage tiles and salvaged furniture are very on-trend at the moment.
Another form of upcycling is the current fashion for recycling various items to create a whole new focal point. These decorative items might include railway sleepers, beer barrels, old car seats, sewing machine seats, pallets, old pianos, tractor parts or old surfboards.
Making a conscious effort to use recycled products on pub refurbishments are an inexpensive way to boost your eco-friendly credentials.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly pub refurbishment, talk to us we can help you achieve your goals.
