Get Your Bar Ready For The Festive Season
The festive season is nearly upon us and it can be the busiest time of the year for many outlets. So how should your bar be preparing? We have teamed up with Mr Fogg’s Bar in London to find out the best tips for getting ready for the Christmas season.
Christmas counts
Christmas is undoubtedly the busiest time of the year and it seems to start earlier and go on longer every year. It's a time when almost everyone heads out, including those who wouldn't usually go to bars during the rest of the year. The festive season is a time that is incredibly valuable to all outlets as you get the opportunity to impress a great number of guests and many new customers. If you get Christmas right then you can set the tone for the following year and increase footfall.
5 Steps for getting ready
1) Start planning early
As with all things preparation is key. In our bars we plan for Christmas as if we are opening a new venue and preparations start immediately after Christmas finishes as we like to brainstorm while thoughts and feedback is fresh in our mind. We will look at our previous offering and how we can improve all areas of it.
2) Get creative
Christmas is also a period where you can do much more than usual in terms of special Christmas inspired decorations, food and entertainment. For example at the Mr Fogg's bar brand we like to create a narrative which ties into all venues and delivers a unique take on a Victorian Christmas!
3) Create a festive drinks menu
Creating fresh and interesting festive drinks is a simple way to give your outlet a point of difference and drive sales by giving customers a different offering. The drinks could be a festive twist on your usual serves by adding a different garnish or they could be new festive recipes.
4) Staffing
As it is a busy time of the year it is important that staff rotas are prepared in advance. It is important to ensure that everyone knows how to recommend and make the seasonal drinks on offer.
5) Promote your outlet
Christmas is a busy time of year but it is also a very competitive time to get customers to your outlet. Promote your Christmas offerings on social media, put up posters in your bar and ensure your website is up to date.
Enjoy it!
It is a busy and often crazy time of the year but remember to offer truly memorable experiences for your customers and enjoy it!
Join in the conversation and Tweet us at @diageobarac, share your photos on Instagram @diageobarac or post on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you.
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