Millions of Brits look forward to the Easter bank holiday weekend each year. For most, Easter is all about spending time with loved ones and eating lots of chocolate. But for pub owners and staff, it’s one of the biggest money-making opportunities of the year.
So, what steps should you take to make the most of this special period?
1. Get protection
Pubs tend to experience higher footfall over holiday periods, which means that risks are increased. More customers meansa greater chance of accidents occurring. And since you might need to hire extra staff to account for the surge in business, there’s more chance of them being involved in an incident as well. Checking what’s covered by your pub insurance could help you manage these extra risks.
2. Decorate
If you want your pub to attract a crowd come Eastertime, it needs to look the part. Wreaths, eggs, bunnies and other themed items will help transform your pub into the perfect backdrop for seasonal celebrations. Invest in some decorations that’ll create an inviting atmosphere. Alternatively, rope in your staff to make some DIY trinkets during slow shifts.
3. Stock up
Having the right environment is only half the battle. Your pub will need to be well supplied with food and drinks with which to serve guests over this particularly busy period. You can make predictions based on the turnout you had last year and the number of advance bookings you’ve received. Just make sure to over-stock in case you get any last-minute bookings or walk-ins.
4. Offer seasonal specials
Easter is a great time to encourage your patrons to spend more than usual. You can use seasonal specials to help them celebrate Easter in grand fashion. Many families like to eat a sit-down meal around Eastertime, so why not offer a special roast dinner to entice them to come to your pub over the holiday period? According to research published by Statista, roughly 30% of Brits plan to get a roast dinner at Easter, so this could be a great money-maker for your pub.
You could also consider putting on a seasonal bottomless brunch. With a longer weekend to recover, it’s the perfect time for a boozy meal with family and friends.
5. Promote online
If you want as many people as possible to come through your doors, you need to get the message out that your pub’s the place to be this Easter. Use social media to display your decorations and show off your specials. Most people check menus and photos online before deciding where to eat, so don’t underestimate how much of a difference this can make. You should also encourage your customers to leave good reviews for you in the lead-up to the holiday period.
Getting your pub ready for the Easter bank holiday weekend might seem like a daunting prospect. But after following our tips above, you’ll be in prime position to make the most of the holiday period.