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Message GARDEN SUPPORT GUIDE SPRING 2025

Throughout the year - how your outside is presented is your first selling point and dictates if new guests venture inside or pass by. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there’s no better time to transform your pub garden, get your flower baskets up and deal with any unsightly maintenance issues. During the summer months your outdoor area can considerably increase your sales and profit. A pub garden is indeed an extension of your pub, offering an additional space for guests to relax and enjoy themselves. It should reflect the same atmosphere and hospitality that your indoor space provides. A well-prepared garden can attract guests looking to enjoy the summer months, making it a key asset. By following these steps, you can create a premium pub garden that not only encourages your regular guests to visit more often but will attract new guests that will want to return throughout the summer. With a little effort and creativity, your pub garden can become the go-to destination for those looking to enjoy the best of the season. You don’t need a big area to entice guests to sit outside, you just have to make that space inviting with clever use of lighting, greenery and comfy furniture. Once you’ve created a great space make sure everyone knows, take photo’s of your work and post it on social media. On a busy day get staff to take photo’s of lots of guests using the outdoor space, again post on social media and create a FOMO effect to draw new guests in. CREATE THE BEST PUB GARDEN EXPERIENCE

ADDING THOSE FLORAL TOUCHES A well-maintained garden is the foundation of any inviting outdoor space. Consider the following: • Lawn Care: Regular mowing, watering, and fertilizing will keep your grass green and healthy. • Flower Beds and Planters: Add vibrant, seasonal flowers to create a visually appealing environment. Choose low-maintenance plants that can withstand the UK weather. • Maintenance: Monitor the condition of plants, replace any wilted or damaged greenery promptly. GUESTS STAY LONGER WHEN COMFORTABLE Comfort is key to encouraging guests to linger longer. Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant furniture. Consider versatile seating arrangements that can be easily rearranged for larger groups or events. • Cushions and Throws: Add cushions and throws for extra comfort and a touch of luxury. Ensure they are made from durable, weather-resistant materials. • Refresh: Ensuring your furniture is freshly stained or painted and free of snags or nails all adds to the comfort you guests experience while visiting, so refresh your furniture as soon as the Spring weather arrives.

CREATING AMBIANCE Lighting plays a vital role in creating ambiance and extending the usability of your outdoor area into the evening. Utilise a combination of soft, warm lighting, such as string lights or fairy lights and functional lighting for visibility. Consider solar-powered or energy-efficient options to minimise operating costs. • String Lights: Hang string lights or fairy lights to add a magical touch to your garden. • Pathway Lighting: Install pathway lights to guide guests safely through the garden. • Mirrors: Adding mirrors in a small space is a great way to create an illusion of much bigger space. And also gives the appearance of being even busier when taking photo’s. The UK is known for its unpredictable weather, so it’s crucial to prepare for all conditions. • Furniture: Ensure your furniture is sturdy, weather- resistant furniture that can withstand rain, wind and sunlight. • Umbrellas: Provide plenty of coverings, to protect customers from sudden rain showers or excessive sunlight. • Maintenance: Monitor the condition of furniture and address any necessary repairs promptly. PREPARING FOR ALL WEATHERS

HEATING SOLUTIONS Encourage guests to stay outside after the temperatures drop by incorporating heating options. Patio heaters, fire pits and even outdoor heaters can create a cosy atmosphere and keep customers comfortable for longer outside, even during cooler evenings. • Safety: Ensure the heating solutions are safe, properly ventilated and comply with local regulations. • Blankets: Provide a basket of blankets by the exit door so guests can wrap up warm rather than leave when the temperature start to drop Providing a attentive table service can massively increase your profits, not only on those sunny days but ongoing, when guests remember good service they will return to your pub time after time. • Service Staff: Provide staff dedicated to outdoor service, quick effective service will ensure profits far exceed costs for additional staff. • Cleaning: Assign staff to regularly clean tables, chairs and any outdoor structures. • Bar Area: Set up a dedicated bar area with a variety of drinks, including summer cocktails, craft beers, and refreshing non-alcoholic options OUTDOOR SERVICE

CLEANLINESS AND MAINTENANCE Many pubs in the UK are becoming increasingly dog-friendly, making it easier for dog owners to enjoy a pint with their furry friends. Here are some common features you might find in dog-friendly pub gardens: • Drinking Bowls: Most dog-friendly pubs provide water bowls to keep your dog hydrated, ensure your team regularly refresh these bowls so the water isn’t dirty. • Dog Treats: Create a table for complimentary dog treats, or even menus for special dog meals, even dog bags for those guests that have forgotten their own. • Being considerate of all guests: Not everyone is comfortable around dogs so ensure when creating a dog-friendly environment you also consider all guests. Many pubs have designated areas of a garden where dogs are welcome, ensuring a comfortable and safe environment for both pets and guests. • Walking groups: Why not create a monthly walking group, starting and ending at your pub, ensuring the end time falls around your lunch service so to encourage guests to stay for either a drink or food after their walk. Social media walking groups are becoming increasingly popular, even without dogs to walk so why not try this too to help bring new guests to your pub. A clean and well-maintained garden is essential for a premium experience. • Regularly inspect: Maintain your outdoor space to keep it clean, safe and visually appealing. • Regular Cleaning: Ensure the garden is regularly cleaned and free of litter. • Paintwork: Ensure the outside décor is well maintained, repaint furniture, fences and outside walls ahead of Easter break. The sooner your outside area is spick and span, the sooner you will see profits increasing from guests return visits. OUR FOUR-LEGGED GUESTS

KEEPING GUESTS ENTERTAINED Keep guests entertained with a range of activities: • Live Music: Host live music events to create a vibrant atmosphere - first ensure your current licence allows for this • Games: Provide lawn games like croquet, giant Jenga, board games to keep guests entertained. • Create an Event: Why not utilise your garden by creating a games day or evening. Plan this around lunch or dinner to encourage extra spend during your guests stay. WHAT LOW-MAINTENANCE GARDEN GREENERY TO SELECT Plants for borders • French Lavender* • Purple Sage • Geum – Totally Tangerine • Convolvulus Ceneorum • Salvia Amistad • Calendula • Diacia Personata* • Osteosperum* • Cornflowers • Scabious • Crownvetch* • Verbena Bonariensis* • Verbena Rigida • Cosmos • Delphiniums* • Hydrangea - Paniculata Little Lime* / Rembrant Vibrant Verde • Agapanthus Plants for boxes and baskets • Aliums • Calibrachoa* • Nemesia* • Cuphea Ilavea* • Verbena* • Scabiosa • Pelargonium • Cosmos • Phlox • Heliotrope • Osteospermum • Erigeron • Lobelia Erinus • Brachyscome Multifida

KEY CONTACTS MP SUPPORT TEAM – 01283 502 502 CREATIVE TEAM – 01283 501 718 or creativeteam@punchpubs.com TILLS – epos@punchpubs.com MARKETING – askmarketing@punchpubs.com FSS/GEG