As we all know, the winter months following the new year can be difficult for many pub and venue owners across the county. Footfall is generally much lower, as customers tend to save money in January and make healthier choices.

However, as hubs of the community, pubs and venues must continue to promote themselves as the ideal place to spend time with friends and family. This can sometimes mean getting creative.

Here are a few ideas from our team as to how you can increase your pub’s footfall this winter.

Focus on Sports

People love watching sports with a great atmosphere. With so much sport, especially football this time of year, you can use this as a way to get people to visit.

Running two-for-one campaigns on drinks or ‘happy hours’ during the game is one way you can entice customers to watch the game at your pub. You could also put on live music events or a DJ following big games to keep the good times flowing.

But the most important thing is to ensure your screens are clear and you have a great sound system in place. Turn your pub into the place to watch live sports, and the customers will come.

Organise a Quiz Night

Everybody loves a quiz. If you have never hosted a quiz at your pub before, consider partnering with a charity or local group that can help run the event.

Many pubs use quiz nights to bring in groups of friends and families on quieter days. There’s nothing like a bit of friendly competition! 

Host a Pool Tournament

If you have a pool table, a great way to get more customers into your pub is to host a pool night or pool tournament. After all if you have a table, you may as well make the most of it.

Depending on resources and uptake you could make this one evening, or a month-long event. This way, you keep customers coming back, and in your venue for longer. 

Local younger pool players may not be aware that your pub has a pool table, so make sure to promote your event on social media.

A smooth playing surface is essential. Here at SX Leisure, we offer pool table recovers. If this is something you are interested in, get in touch with our team.

Regular Karaoke Nights

Whilst some people’s worst nightmare, karaoke is definitely one event that can bring in a crowd. 

Combining this with other offers such as the ones mentioned previously, you can keep customers in your pub for longer, as well as increase footfall altogether.

You could even theme the night as fancy dress. After all, after a few drinks, who wouldn’t want a go?

Host a Darts Tournament

Much like the aforementioned pool tournament idea, darts can really bring a crowd. The sport has made somewhat of a resurgence over the past 18 months, so it is the perfect time to capitalise.

New darts systems such as our interactive darts, mean that you don’t even need to count your darts. It’s never been easier to host an event. Take advantage of the popularity and increase your footfall through a darts tournament.

In this quieter period, it’s important that we are here to support you and all the venues we service. That’s why we continue to innovate and look for new entertainment, barware and audio-visual solutions that increase your footfall and keep customers in your pub for longer.

If you need any support, or looking to upgrade any of your existing systems, get in touch with our team here at SX Leisure – www.sxleisure.co.uk/contact