Winter Prep For Hospitality Venues: How to Transition Your Venue for Colder Weather
As the temperature drops and the nights grow longer, hospitality venues must prepare for the transition from warm summer days to the colder winter season. Whether you're managing a cosy pub, a chic restaurant, or a lively bar, adjusting your venue for the winter months can ensure a seamless guest experience, keep your business thriving, and make your space inviting, even as the cold sets in.
Here’s how to effectively prepare your venue for the chilly season and keep your guests coming back, increasing ROI during the busiest time of year!
1. Winterising Outdoor Spaces
With the rise of outdoor dining during the pandemic, many venues have invested in outdoor spaces that customers enjoy year-round. As winter approaches, making these spaces comfortable is key to maintaining seating capacity and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Install Heaters: Invest in outdoor heaters like gas-powered patio heaters, infrared heaters, or electric heat lamps. Spread them evenly across the space to ensure a comfortable, even warmth.
- Provide Blankets: Offering cosy blankets for guests can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Opt for soft, stylish options that can enhance the décor of your outdoor seating.
- Add Windbreakers or Enclosures: Install windbreakers, screens, or temporary walls around outdoor areas to block chilly gusts. If possible, use transparent materials so that your guests still enjoy the view.
- Tent and Canopy Covers: For venues with patios or rooftop spaces, consider installing canopy covers or tents to protect guests from snow and rain. Ensure these structures are sturdy enough to withstand winter weather conditions.
- Upgrade Lighting: As it gets darker earlier, make sure your outdoor area is well-lit. Add soft, warm lighting like string lights or lanterns to create a cosy, intimate atmosphere that feels inviting on dark winter evenings.
2. Creating a Cosy Indoor Atmosphere
With colder weather driving guests inside, it’s crucial to make your indoor space as warm and welcoming as possible. This goes beyond just adjusting the temperature - it’s about creating a cosy, comfortable environment where people want to linger.
- Add Warm Décor: Incorporate soft furnishings like plush cushions, velvet chairs, or faux fur throws. Opt for warm, earthy colours like deep reds, oranges, and browns to evoke the feeling of warmth and comfort.
- Warm Lighting: Swap out any harsh, cool-toned lighting for warm, soft glows. Lamps, candles, or dimmable lights can create an intimate, cosy setting that contrasts with the cold outside.
- Fireplaces and Firepits: If your venue has a fireplace or can accommodate a portable one, now is the time to fire it up. A crackling fire adds both warmth and atmosphere, making your venue a winter haven.
- Scented Ambience: Consider adding winter-themed scents to the venue. Subtle aromas of cinnamon, pine, or vanilla can enhance the cosy, wintry feel without overwhelming guests.
3. Winter Menu Adjustments
Your food and drinks menu should shift with the season to feature warm, hearty options that provide comfort during colder months. Introducing seasonal ingredients and winter specials is a great way to keep guests engaged.
Winter menus should not only warm the body but excite the senses. Flavour Blaster's aromatic bubbles and aroma clouds allow you to incorporate seasonal aromas directly into your food and drinks, amplifying the flavours of your winter menu.
- Seasonal Ingredients: Incorporate winter produce like squash, root vegetables, and hearty grains into your dishes. Highlight warming dishes such as soups, stews, and roasts, perfect for combating the chill. To fully embrace seasonal flavours, use Flavour Blaster aroma gun to add complementary scents to your winter menu. For example, a mulled wine could be topped with a cinnamon aroma bubble, enhancing the drink’s seasonal flavours.
- Comfort Food: Winter is the time for indulgence. Think about adding comforting classics like mac and cheese, pot pies, or slow-cooked meats to your menu.
- Warm Drinks: Create a winter drinks menu featuring warm, cosy options like mulled wine, hot toddies, and spiked hot chocolates. Hot cocktails with seasonal spices and aromas (think cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) will be a hit. Elevate hot toddies or Irish coffees with smoke or vanilla scented bubbles, creating an aromatic experience that pairs perfectly with the rich, warming flavours.
- Holiday Specials: Offer limited-time holiday menus with festive drinks, appetisers, and desserts. Not only does this bring in seasonal cheer, but it also encourages guests to visit more frequently during the holiday season.
4. Promote Indoor Events and Private Hire
With the cold season often bringing slower business days, hosting events can help keep your venue busy. Promote private bookings for holiday parties, family gatherings, or corporate events to maximise business during the winter.
- Holiday Parties: Create special packages for Christmas or New Year’s Eve celebrations. Offer a range of dining and drink options, and use festive décor to draw in party bookings.
- Themed Nights: Host themed nights such as trivia, live music, or tasting events to keep regular guests entertained. Use winter as inspiration by hosting events like whisky tastings or wine and cheese pairings.
- Winter Brunches And Private Events: Brunches are becoming increasingly popular, even in colder months. Add a winter twist with hot drinks and hearty brunch specials that encourage guests to come out, even on chilly weekends. Make brunches or private parties more memorable by incorporating Flavour Blaster into your service. Offering a special ‘Winter Aroma Bar’ where guests can choose their own scented bubble to crown their drinks will create a unique, interactive experience.
5. Energy Efficiency and Cost Management
Winter months often mean higher energy bills, especially if you’re using heaters or additional lighting. However, making a few simple adjustments can help keep your energy costs under control while ensuring your guests stay warm.
- Insulate Windows and Doors: Check windows and doors for any drafts and add insulation where necessary. Even simple fixes like draft stoppers can make a big difference.
- Smart Thermostats: Consider installing smart thermostats to regulate heating more efficiently. These can automatically adjust the temperature based on room occupancy, saving energy when areas aren’t in use.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: If you haven’t already, switch to LED lighting. It’s more energy-efficient and provides a soft glow that works well with winter décor.
- Staff Training: Ensure your staff know how to use heating systems effectively. Set clear guidelines on when heaters or lighting should be turned on to avoid unnecessary energy waste.
6. Marketing Your Winter-Friendly Venue
Let your guests know that your venue is ready for winter! Promote your cosy atmosphere, warm drinks, and seasonal menus through your marketing channels.
- Social Media Showcases: Use your social media platforms to showcase the changes in your venue. Post photos of your cosy outdoor areas, warm décor, and tempting winter menu items. Instagram is particularly effective for promoting the visual appeal of your winter-ready space. Make sure to share any cocktails adorned with aromatic Flavour Blaster bubbles. The visual allure of the bubbles will naturally engage followers and will help increase your online visibility and reach, making guests flood through your doors!
- Email Campaigns: Send out newsletters highlighting your winter specials, events, and private hire options. Include photos and special offers to encourage early bookings for holiday parties.
- Seasonal Promotions: Offer limited-time discounts or loyalty programs during the winter season to attract regulars. Promote these offers via social media, your website, and email.
Conclusion
Preparing your venue for winter is not just about keeping it warm, but about transforming it into a cosy, welcoming haven that invites guests to escape the cold and relax. With the right strategies in place, you can keep your outdoor spaces in use, adjust your menus for seasonal appeal, and create a snug indoor atmosphere that makes people want to stay longer. Couple this with energy-efficient practices and well-planned marketing, and you’ll keep your venue bustling throughout the winter months.
Get ready to embrace the chill with a warm and welcoming venue!
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