The statistics for the UK’s hospitality industry can make for grim reading. This summer, the British Beer and Pub Association reported that 378 pubs across England, Wales and Scotland were likely to call last orders this year, costing 5,600 jobs. Put differently, that’s a closure a day. In 2024, 350 such places shut their doors, while 15,000 in total have closed since 2000. Landlords and trade associations have blamed business rates, rising VAT and beer duty and employers’ national insurance contributions (NICs) for the mass exodus of these venues.
Meanwhile, Britain’s restaurant trade is also experiencing declining venue numbers and, again, significant pressure from rising costs and labour shortages. Many eateries have been forced to slash opening hours or menus, as consumers prioritise price when dining out. Last year, more than 4,000 ceased trading, a steep rise from previous years, with reasons given ranging from high energy and food costs to rising payroll expenses.
Opportunities Amid Challenges
The outlook isn’t entirely gloomy; people will always want to go out and enjoy themselves, especially when marking special occasions like birthdays and Christmases. But the current challenges facing what was already a competitive sector mean businesses are having to work harder to make a profit.
First Impressions Matter: Enhancing Outdoor Spaces
If you run a hospitality business, some things can have more of an impact on your success than you may have realised, including the appearance of your outdoor areas. You don’t need us to tell you that first impressions really count, especially when it comes to drawing in customers. So think about enhancing your kerb appeal to potential guests who value comfort and elegance.
Equally, eye-catching outdoor areas increase attention by creating perfect spots for photo opportunities. Instagrammable locations help attract a younger clientele while generating free advertising as people post about their experiences.
Well-arranged furniture encourages passers-by to pause for a moment and, hopefully, become paying customers. In warm weather, you’ll attract spontaneous visits from those who know they can sit outside at your establishment.
What’s more, with luxury garden furniture you can use sustainable materials such as teak, boosting your carbon footprint. You could also create pleasant areas where staff can enjoy being outdoors, contributing to their wellbeing and job satisfaction.
Teak is also incredibly long-lasting and able to withstand the elements with very little maintenance or upkeep; it stays looking elegant whatever the weather’s doing. So consider it as the material for your commercial deck furniture at your pub or restaurant.
At the same time, think about your boundaries. Decent garden wall brickwork, for example, provides a sturdy, durable and structurally sound, clearly defined barrier, which also looks inviting. And as well as creating a more inviting garden space which encourages lingering, there are practical benefits including noise reduction and shelter for plants.
Choosing the Right Pieces for Longevity and Comfort
Whatever pieces you choose to boost your hospitality business, prioritise durability, weather resistance and ease of maintenance. Materials and styles should suit your branding and the look you have elsewhere on your premises. Finally, ergonomic designs maximise customer comfort (and could keep people in your premises for longer), while modular pieces or stackable items allow you to have flexible layouts suiting different events and group sizes.
