Summer in the UK, when it finally appears, brings a collective desire to soak up the sun, enjoy longer evenings, and socialise before the winter comes around. For pubs, this presents a golden opportunity to significantly boost footfall and revenue. 

While the temptation might be to simply open the doors and hope for the best, a strategic approach to summer offerings can transform your pub into the perfect destination for communities to gather.

So, how can pubs go above and beyond and truly capitalise on the summer months? 

Here’s a detailed look at ideas to get more customers through your doors:

1. An Unforgettable Outdoor Experience

Your outdoor space is your biggest asset in the summer. Don’t just see it as a few tables and chairs; see it as a prime entertainment zone.

Elevate Your Beer Garden/Patio

Invest in comfortable outdoor furniture, ample shade and atmospheric lighting. You could also consider adding fans for really hot days.

Outdoor Bars & Pop-ups

Setting up a dedicated outdoor bar for peak times can significantly speed up service and create a buzzing atmosphere. Consider themed pop-up bars – a Pimm’s and lemonade stand, a craft gin bar, or even a specific beer brand collaboration.

Family-Friendly Zones

If your venue is family-oriented, dedicate a safe, engaging area for children. This could include a small play structure or simply plenty of space for them to run around, allowing parents to relax for longer.

Outdoor Kitchen or Barbecue

The smell of a barbecue is irresistible. Offer a dedicated outdoor food station. This adds to the experience and offers a different dining option for those who may have been looking to move on after a couple of drinks.

2. Engaging Events and Entertainment

Summer evenings are perfect for events that draw a crowd and encourage longer stays.

Live Music & DJ Sets

Nothing says summer like live music outdoors. From upbeat cover bands to a chill DJ, tailor your music to your target audience. Promote these events heavily on social media and with local posters. 

And don’t forget the power of a modern jukebox inside, allowing customers to be their own DJ and keep the party going between sets or on quieter evenings.

Outdoor Cinema Nights

Set up a projector and screen in your beer garden for outdoor movie nights. Theme them – classic comedies, cult favourites, family films. It’s a great way to get families in to spend some quality time, and keep them in your venue for longer.

Sports Screenings

Major sporting events taking place, such as the British Lions Tour, Euro 2025 and more are huge draws. Ensure you have large screens with good sound. Create a dedicated “fan zone” with special offers on drinks and food during matches.

Pool Table Tournaments

Organise regular pool table tournaments with prizes to attract competitive players and spectators. A well-maintained table is a hub for communities and keeps punters in the pub for longer.

Interactive Darts Leagues

Elevate your dart setup with interactive darts. These modern boards offer a wide variety of games, auto-scoring, and engaging visuals, making darts accessible and fun for everyone, from beginners to pros. Run leagues or casual “come and play” sessions.

3. Engage with Your Local Community

Being a hub for the local community is key to sustained success. Without a strong sense of community, pubs can lose business and keeping regulars happy as well as finding new ones can be a tough balance.

Collaborate with Local Businesses

Partner with local breweries, distilleries, food producers, or even local artists for joint promotions or events.

Support Local Charities:

Host charity events, quiz nights, or sponsored walks that start/finish at your pub, demonstrating your commitment to the community.

Dog-Friendly Initiatives

Promote your pub as dog-friendly if you are. Offer water bowls, dog treats, and a designated shaded area for pets and their owners. This is a huge draw for dog owners.

Locals Night or Loyalty Schemes

Reward your regulars with special discounts or exclusive access to events.

4. Smart Marketing & Promotion

Even the best ideas need effective promotion to succeed. Showcase your summer offerings on social media with high-quality photos and videos. Run polls, create engaging stories, and use relevant hashtags. Announce events well in advance, highlighting your jukebox, pool table, and interactive darts as key places in your venue for people to enjoy.

Make sure your outdoor signage clearly highlights your summer events, food specials, and unique selling points, including the availability of your games.

Ensure your website is up-to-date with your summer menu, event calendar, and contact information. Optimise your Google My Business listing, mentioning your entertainment options.

By combining fantastic outdoor spaces with engaging events, a delicious summer menu, strong community ties, and smart marketing, pubs can transform the summer months from a moderate boost into a period of exceptional growth and a truly memorable experience for their customers. 

Utilising key assets like your jukebox, pool table, interactive darts, and essential equipment like ice machines will significantly enhance the customer experience, keep customers at your venue for longer and encourage repeat visits.

Our range of entertainment products are a great way to ensure your venue keeps customers for longer, and also gives them the opportunity to spend even more time with their friends and family.

You can view our full range here – https://sxleisure.co.uk/sx-entertainment/

Or get in touch with our team:
thehub@sxleisure.co.uk – 0344 800 1333