Pubs are always such a popular venue for a Christmas lunch or party. So, it’s never too early to begin to plan how your hospitality spaces will work. If you haven’t yet considered a pre-Christmas refurbishment for your pub, now is the time to do so.
At Fairland, we always head over to a local pub for our Christmas dos. We’ll try a new place each year for a bit of variety.
There many reasons your customers will look to your pub for their Christmas bash. These reasons might include familiarity, locality and generally good value food. But, if your establishment is looking a little tired, don’t count your chickens, because your customers still want a venue that has been well dressed for the season and has an intimate up to date décor. That’s why a pre-Christmas refurbishment should be on your radar.
Maximising your spaces – The first step to your pre-Christmas refurbishment:
Over recent years we have found that our clients have been looking at underutilised spaces and turning them into private function areas which can be rented out for several uses. This redistribution of space can be very beneficial to your bottom line. You could find any outlay for building works is soon recouped, especially during the Christmas season.
It’s a good idea for any publican to determine whether they have any areas that can be updated to become private dining rooms. You might have an old stock room, or perhaps you could make better use of space by moving the toilets or utilising part of an outside area. Sometimes it only takes a small amount of building work to bring a redundant part of your pub’s premises to life, offering you a whole new trading area. As pub refurbishment specialists, we are always happy to visit your premises to see if we can visualise a suitable space, where you might not.
If you don’t have the space for a dedicated private dining area, there are still alternatives. You may be able to section off an area temporarily for private functions. Perhaps there is a raised section or an area of your pub that is away from the main trading area.
Even the simple rearrangement of tables can allow for office parties. By helping to accommodate larger groups of people, and doing it well, you’ll see the difference to your bottom line.
The timing is right for your pre-Christmas makeover:
As soon as the summer is over your clientele will begin looking for venues for their Christmas functions, so now is an excellent time to plan a pre-Christmas refurbishment.
Here is a checklist of questions to help you determine whether you need to invest in a sparkle project.
- Firstly, do you have an area that can be made available for display advertising? You need to tell your clients about Christmas menus and seasonal offers.
- Is your heating up to scratch? Both inside and outside! In recent years we have had some very mild winters, and outdoor spaces have become more and more flexible. You should be able to use these spaces all year round. Consider the addition of good external heating, better lighting, and even just some good old-fashioned fleece throws to maximise your outside areas. Fake grass can also add some winter warmth by working as an external carpet.
- Does your main trading area need a redecoration? Or your seating and furniture replacing or refurbishing? Christmas is a season when your customers want to feel they have splashed out on a treat. A little luxe goes a long way, and you’ll be sure to recoup costs through new bookings.
- Do you have a prominent place for your Christmas tree? It should be centre stage. Christmas is a great excuse to get out all the glitz and glitter, including baubles and festive lighting. Choose masses of greenery and garlands for a more organic look. Any underused part of a pub can soon be made to look festive
- And finally, are there areas that can be used for Christmas discos? Because a bop with co-workers makes a Christmas party memorable!
Thinking outside the (Christmas Gift) Box:
Over recent years we have noted that pubs with larger premises are adopting a new festive concept. This experience-driven approach involves guiding guests through Christmas themed walkways. Think Narnia, Jack Frost, Alice in Wonderland, moving model reindeers and Santa’s Grotto. There are endless ideas, and more and more pubs, hotels and other hospitality venues are beginning to find their creative streak, to help celebrate the season.
If you need a pre-Christmas refurbishment contact us today. There’s still time to ensure your pub is the place to party this festive season.
