As the sun begins to hang in the sky for a little longer each day, the hospitality industry is presented with a golden opportunity to enhance guest experiences and boost business. The annual longer, lighter evenings are perfect for businesses to once again extend outdoor dining hours, allowing guests to savour meals amidst picturesque sunsets. The additional light allows alfresco venues to make the most of the drawn-out sunsets, attracting patrons eager to enjoy the warm weather and lively atmosphere. Crafting special summer cocktail menus can elevate the relaxed ambiance, while live music performances on terraces or in gardens can transform an ordinary evening into a memorable occasion. By embracing these opportunities, Alliance Online demonstrates how hospitality businesses can create inviting experiences that not only attract but also delight their guests throughout the summer months.
Extend Dining Hours for Guests
Extending dining hours during the British summer allows hospitality venues to capitalise on the longer daylight and warmer temperatures. This section explores how to make the most of extended evening hours.
Maximise Evening Ambiance
Creating the perfect evening ambiance is crucial for attracting and retaining guests during the extended summer hours. Soft lighting plays a key role in setting the mood, with options like fairy lights, lanterns, or subtle uplighting enhancing outdoor dining spaces.
Consider incorporating natural elements such as potted plants or floral arrangements to bring a touch of nature to your dining area. These not only look appealing but can also help to create a more relaxed environment.
Music selection is equally important. Choose a playlist that complements the time of day, gradually transitioning from upbeat daytime tunes to more mellow evening melodies. This subtle shift in atmosphere can encourage guests to linger and enjoy the extended hours. A great option can be simple instrumental pieces which act as perfect background music.
Enjoy Picturesque Sunsets
Capitalising on the beautiful summer sunsets can significantly enhance your guests’ dining experience. Position tables to offer the best views of the setting sun, ensuring that outdoor seating areas are strategically arranged.
Consider offering a special ‘sunset menu’ or cocktail during the sunset period. This could include lighter bites or shareable platters that complement the relaxed evening atmosphere.
Provide blankets or outdoor heaters for guests to use as the evening cools, allowing them to comfortably enjoy the entire sunset experience. This thoughtful touch can greatly improve customer satisfaction and encourage longer stays.
Host Alfresco Events
Alfresco events are a fantastic way to make the most of the British summer. This section discusses how to create memorable outdoor experiences for your guests.
Themed Nights for Warmer Weather
Themed nights can inject excitement and novelty into your alfresco offerings. Consider hosting events that celebrate the season, such as a midsummer night’s dream party or a tropical beach bash.
Decorate your outdoor space to match the theme, using props, lighting, and even staff costumes to create an immersive experience. This attention to detail can transform your venue and create a talking point for guests.
Offer themed food and drink menus to complement the event. For example, a Mediterranean night could feature tapas and sangria, while a British garden party might offer Pimm’s and strawberries and cream.
Engaging Outdoor Entertainment
Live entertainment can significantly enhance your alfresco events. Consider booking local musicians, comedians, or even organising outdoor film screenings to keep guests engaged and entertained.
Interactive entertainment options, such as outdoor cooking demonstrations or wine tasting sessions, can add an educational element to your events. Activities such as these not only entertain but also provide value to your guests.
Don’t forget about family-friendly options too. Face painting, magicians, or storytellers can make your venue appealing to a wider audience, especially during daytime events or early evening hours.
Curate Special Summer Cocktails
A well-crafted summer cocktail menu can be a significant draw for customers during the warmer months. This section explores how to create and promote refreshing seasonal drinks.
Relaxed Evening Settings
The right cocktail can enhance the relaxed atmosphere of a summer evening. Consider creating a dedicated outdoor bar area where guests can watch their drinks being prepared, adding an element of theatre to the experience.
Offer a mix of classic summer favourites and unique, venue-specific creations. This balance allows you to cater to traditional tastes while also showcasing your creativity and flair.
Train your staff to make recommendations based on individual preferences, enhancing the personalised service experience. This attention to detail can turn a simple drink order into a memorable part of the evening.
Seasonal Refreshment Ideas
When developing your summer cocktail menu, focus on light, refreshing flavours that complement the season. Incorporate fresh fruits, herbs, and floral notes to create vibrant, appealing drinks.
Consider offering non-alcoholic versions of your summer cocktails. This inclusive approach ensures that all guests can enjoy the seasonal offerings, regardless of their drinking preferences.
Don’t forget about presentation. Use garnishes, glassware, and even ice moulds to create visually stunning drinks that are as appealing to the eye as they are to the palate.
Utilise Gardens for Live Music
Gardens and outdoor spaces provide the perfect backdrop for live music events. This section discusses how to effectively incorporate music into your outdoor offerings.
Inviting Outdoor Atmosphere
Creating an inviting atmosphere for outdoor music events involves more than just booking a band. Consider the layout of your space, ensuring good sightlines to the performance area and comfortable seating options.
Lighting is crucial for evening events. Use a mix of functional and atmospheric lighting to create a warm, welcoming environment that doesn’t interfere with the performance.
Consider the acoustics of your outdoor space. You may need to invest in quality sound equipment to ensure that the music can be enjoyed throughout the area without disturbing neighbouring properties.
Always review the legislation in your area regarding external live music events. If you are unsure contact your local council who should be able to assist you.
Enhance Guest Experience
Live music can significantly enhance the guest experience, creating a memorable atmosphere that encourages longer stays and repeat visits. Choose acts that complement your venue’s style and appeal to your target audience.
Consider offering music-themed food and drink specials to tie in with the entertainment. This could include cocktails named after songs or set menus inspired by the genre of music being performed.
Promote your music events in advance through social media and local listings. This can help attract new customers and position your venue as a go-to spot for summer entertainment.
Organise Evening Games and Activities
Evening games and activities can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your guests’ experience. This section explores various options for engaging customers during the longer summer evenings.
Pub Quizzes and Lawn Games
Pub quizzes are a classic evening activity that can draw in regular crowds. Consider hosting themed quizzes that tie into current events or popular culture to keep the content fresh and engaging.
Outdoor spaces provide opportunities for lawn games such as giant Jenga, cornhole, or boules. These games can be enjoyed by guests of all ages and provide a fun, social activity between drinks or meals.
Ensure you have adequate lighting for evening games, and consider offering small prizes or discounts for winners to encourage participation. This competitive element can inject some fun and interaction between patrons helping you build a community centred around your venue.
Promote After-Work Happy Hours
After-work happy hours can be a significant draw for professionals looking to unwind after a long day. This section discusses strategies for creating and promoting enticing happy hour offerings.
Enticing Sunset Deals
Create a special ‘sunset menu’ featuring discounted drinks and light bites. This can encourage guests to stay longer and transition from after-work drinks to dinner.
Consider offering a rotating selection of featured cocktails or local craft beers to keep your happy hour menu fresh and interesting. This can also help promote local producers and create a unique selling point for your venue.
Use time-limited offers to create a sense of urgency. For example, a ‘7-7-7’ deal (7 items for £7 available from 5-7 pm) can drive traffic during specific hours.
Encourage Evening Bookings
Promote your happy hour offerings through targeted social media ads and email marketing campaigns. Focus on local businesses and professionals to capture the after-work crowd.
Consider partnering with local businesses to offer exclusive deals for their employees. This can help build relationships and secure regular clientele.
Implement a loyalty scheme that rewards frequent happy hour attendees. This could include points systems, punch cards, or exclusive member events to encourage repeat visits.
Highlight Fresh Seasonal Menus
Seasonal menus showcasing fresh, local ingredients can be a major draw for food enthusiasts. This section explores how to create and promote appealing summer menu offerings.
Locally-Sourced Ingredients
Establish relationships with local farmers and producers to source fresh, seasonal ingredients. This not only ensures quality but also allows you to support the local economy.
Highlight the local sourcing of your ingredients on your menu. Guests often appreciate knowing where their food comes from, and this information can justify premium pricing.
Consider offering ‘farm to table’ specials that change regularly based on what’s available locally. This can create a sense of exclusivity and encourage repeat visits to try new dishes whilst creating a clamour when favourites become available again.
Appeal to Food Enthusiasts
Create dishes that showcase the best of summer produce. Think light, fresh flavours that appeal during warmer weather, such as vibrant salads, grilled vegetables, and fruit-based desserts.
Offer tasting menus or ‘chef’s specials’ that allow guests to sample a variety of seasonal dishes. This can be particularly appealing for food enthusiasts looking for unique dining experiences.
Host special events such as seasonal tasting evenings or meet-the-producer dinners. These can create buzz around your seasonal offerings and attract food-loving customers.
Set Up Outdoor Pop-Up Bars
Outdoor pop-up bars can add excitement and novelty to your venue during the summer months. This section discusses how to effectively implement and promote these temporary offerings.
Attract Passersby
Position your pop-up bar in a visible location to catch the eye of passersby. Use bold signage and eye-catching decor to make it stand out.
Offer quick, easy-to-serve drinks that are perfect for people looking for a spontaneous refreshment. Consider options like pre-batched cocktails or self-serve beer taps to manage high volume efficiently.
Create a unique aesthetic for your pop-up that’s distinct from your main venue. This could be themed around a particular spirit, cocktail style, or summer concept to create a sense of novelty.
Enhance Curbside Appeal
Use vibrant colours, interesting textures, and creative lighting to make your pop-up visually appealing. This can help attract attention and create an atmosphere.
Consider the flow of foot traffic and design your pop-up to be easily accessible. Ensure there’s clear signage directing people to ordering and collection points.
Don’t forget about comfort. Provide some seating and shade options for those who want to linger and enjoy their drinks on-site.
Leverage Social Media for Promotion
Social media can be a powerful tool for promoting your summer offerings and attracting new customers. This section explores effective strategies for social media marketing.
Captivating Sunset Photos
Leverage the natural beauty of summer evenings by sharing stunning sunset photos of your venue. Encourage staff and guests to capture and share these moments too.
Use relevant hashtags to increase the reach of your posts. Create a unique venue hashtag and encourage guests to use it when sharing their own photos.
Consider running a photo contest where guests can submit their best sunset shots taken at your venue. This can increase engagement and provide you with a wealth of user-generated content.
Share Event Highlights
Regularly post updates about upcoming events and special offerings. Use a mix of photos, videos, and stories to keep your content varied and engaging.
Share behind-the-scenes content of event preparations or special menu items being created. This can build anticipation and give followers a sense of exclusivity.
After events, share recap posts or stories showcasing the highlights. This not only engages attendees but also shows others what they missed, potentially encouraging them to attend future events.
In conclusion, British Summer Time ushers in a vibrant season for the hospitality industry to truly shine. Through strategic extensions of evening hours and the rich opportunities for alfresco dining, live entertainment, and curated events, businesses can capture the essence of summer and create memorable experiences for guests. By embracing fresh, local ingredients in seasonal menus and leveraging the allure of themed cocktails, venues can enhance their appeal and foster a loyal clientele. Alliance Online have a wide variety of non-food catering appliances and essentials that can help you achieve both your front and back of house goals.
