Pull the girls every night of the week

Mark Taylor looks at ideas for attracting more female customers through your doors

Once upon a time, the British pub was the last bastion of male dominance. Men sought peace and quiet away from their wives and children, met their mates and tried to put the world to rights over a few pints.

In bygone days, the only women seen in pubs - apart from genial landladies - tended to be those of ill-repute looking for business or angry spouses seeking their husbands.

How times change. These days, almost half of pub customers are female, and with the imminent smoking ban, that number looks set to increase.

The whole fabric of the pub has evolved since the days when women weren't even allowed to cross the threshold.

Where once bonding over pints of ale was a men-only pursuit, these days women can claim pubs as their own, dropping in to catch up with friends over a bottle of wine, a light, healthy meal or treat.

Longer licensing hours have also made pubs more family-friendly and many are attracting mums with children who simply want to enjoy a really good cup of coffee, rather than frequenting their nearest café.

Whether it's a place to socialise, celebrate with family or simply find a refuge from husbands and children, the pub has never been more potentially female-friendly.

So what are the best ways to make sure that you get your share of this growing and lucrative market?

Tips on making your venue women-friendly

Make your pub a comfortable, clean place with sofas, attractive lighting and a welcoming, inviting environment

Put as many wines and Champagnes by the glass as possible on your drinks list

Offer a healthy menu that includes salads, pasta, grilled chicken or fish. Add an all-day brunch option and introduce shared meals or tapas-sized dishes

Make sure your pub has a day area for children, baby-changing facilities, and space for large prams and push-chairs

Introduce a range of really good coffee and tea, as well as soft drinks

Start women-only dining evenings, perhaps with loyalty cards to encourage return visits

Offer beers in stemmed glasses