Warming up for summer: Go all out

If the weather is good this summer pubs could reap the rewards - but only if you put some effort into your offer now, says Phil Mellows.

In the teeth of March blizzards it's hard to think about summer. But the early Easter means the outdoor season for pubs starts in just two weeks, so it's time to get in the al fresco mood. Sadly, the British weather can never be guaranteed. But that only means people will be looking to catch the sun whenever it appears, and you've got to be ready to tempt them round for a cooling draught and keep them amused as long as you can.

And if we get a long hot one to match 2003, it can have a dramatic impact on your business.

But you still have to maximise the opportunity. Clare Gavan, category manager at Punch Taverns, is recommending her licensees put a little thought into it this summer.

"Publicans need to ensure the appearance of their pub's exterior is the best it can be," she says. "Simple additions of lighting, heating, awnings and umbrellas can have a considerable impact, as well as a welcoming A-board and a tidy entrance. It's important that garden furniture is in tip-top condition - tatty old tables and chairs create completely the wrong impression. Hanging baskets and plants are a quick and easy way of transforming the outside of a pub.

"Licensees should also think about using redundant outbuildings as covered areas for extra seating, play areas and barbecues. Even installing double access doors out onto the garden will encourage people to go outside.

"Barbecues always draw in the crowds. We recommend creating a sense of fun by choosing a theme and using as much colour as possible.

"I would say to anyone running a pub that just a little extra effort during the summer months can reap huge rewards."

Her view is supported by Interbrew's Colin Pedrick. "As in every other area, customers' standards and expectations are being raised and pubs should really be looking at their outdoor space as an additional room," says Colin.

"A little effort - some plants in containers, some garden umbrellas to offer shade and perhaps some decking - can make an outdoor area so much more inviting. Installing one or two patio heaters means the area can still be used if the temperature drops by a few degrees in the evening and encourages people to stay longer and attracts them later in the day.

"If the outdoor area is not obvious to passers-by, you need to use external signage to make them aware you have a garden. This will attract new customers during spells of good weather."

Now all we need is the sun!

Certified locations​

Caravanning is enjoying an all-time high and the 850,000-strong Caravan Club is looking for pubs to become Certificated Locations (CL) for members to pull up and spend the night.

A CL can be the site for up to five pitches without the need to obtain planning permission and provide publicans with an additional steady income stream during the summer - plus a ready-made source of customers who don't have to drive home.

Pubs which take up the opportunity, and meet Caravan Club standards, get a free listing in the club directory, which goes to every member, plus an online searchable database, launched in December. For more information and an application form call 01342 336792 or go to www.caravanclub.co.uk.

Summer checklist​

• Use hardwood picnic tables that seat more people
• Use stacking and folding furniture for smaller outdoor areas
• Buy machine-washable zipped cushions for increased comfort
• Use patio heaters to keep customers in the garden longer
• Have plenty of well-positioned litter bins to avoid a build-up of smells
• Keep lawns cut and water plants regularly.

Summery rum punch​

For a real taste of the Carribean why not make a rum punch with Wray & Nephew overproof white rum, which accounts for nine out of 10 rum shots drunk on the island of Jamaica.

Wray & Nephew supplies the following recipe and suggests you put it on the menu at a reggae theme night.

Reggae Rum Punch​ - Created by Ian BurrellGlass: highballIngredients:

• 25ml Wray & Nephew white rum
• 50ml orange juice
• 50ml pineapple juice
• 25ml strawberry or grenadine syrup
• squeeze of lime or lemon

Method:​ Mix ingredients over ice in cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Pour over ice. Pour in strawberry or grenadine syrup. Garnish with lemon wedge and mint.