How to Prepare a Bar for the Busy Festive Period
by Northern Life
Make sure to be prepared and get in the spirit of things and the holiday period could be a gift in and of itself.
The British public loves to eat, be merry and, of course, have a drink. People in this country like to share stories and songs while enjoying a few pops, with the holidays, specifically the festive period around Christmas being particularly busy. There’s something about the “most wonderful time of the year” that can turn even the quietest watering hole into a busy bar full of life and energy.
Preparing your bar for Christmas drinks and the general festive rush is essential if you want to make the most of the season. Done right, this stretch can make you a lot of money. Done wrong, you could get overwhelmed. This article will offer some preparation tips, ranging from stocking up on favourites to setting up the kind of banquette seating UK patrons can enjoy together.
Get festive with your menu
Christmas in pubs and bars isn’t just defined by jovial energy and a few lazy sprigs of mistletoe. You should adapt the menu to the time of year that you offer to your customers. Providing your clientele with holiday-focused options is a great way to get into the spirit, whether you operate solely drinks or also serve food.
Things to consider adding to a menu in the festive period include:
- Mulled wine
- Hot toddies
- Eggnog
- Hot, seasoned nuts
- Winter cocktails (gingerbread martini, anyone?)
- Mince pies
- Christmas dinner style roasts (or even British tapas)
And all of these options and more should be presented with some festive flair. A little sprig of holly can go a long way! Make sure to upsell and recommend these festive items so the additional stock doesn’t go to waste. And also, as a rule, get more booze in – you’re probably going to need it!
Setting up the space for success
African American woman holding microphone and singing while partying with her friends at nightclub.
Your bar should be furnished appropriately year-round, but you might need to adjust the setup a bit as the seasons change. A Christmas party at a bar might benefit from a little bit more space for dancing and karaoke, while pubs and more casual spaces should offer plenty of cosy nooks for intimate conversation. Banquette seating with tables, plenty of comfortable chairs and options for groups of different sizes will make all the difference.
The little touches that count
Beyond more practical considerations, you should also take the time to decorate and kit out the space to suit the vibe. You can go fully festive with a more comprehensive Christmassy style, or work in more subtle touches, like candlelight or even fireplace screensavers. Other nice touches include laying out some board games or getting a nice playlist on to truly curate the atmosphere.
Catering to special events
Work drinks, family gatherings, and celebrations on major holiday dates (Christmas Eve, New Year’s, etc.) are the instances that make or break your festive success. Make sure to properly promote the space as an event venue, clearly stating the types of crowds you’re looking for and what you can accommodate. If possible, try to establish separate spaces within your bar so that you can host events and regular guests concurrently.
General staffing and efficiency
It’s essential to keep the place running with enough staff, stock and processing power to meet the demands of the clientele. It’s important to consider things like:
- Hiring temporary or contracted staff to handle the custom
- Preparing a detailed rota
- Upselling training for shifting seasonal stock
- Have regular meetings to prepare for specific challenges
- Using booking management software for larger reservations and tasks
By following the advice in this guide, you should be more than capable of enjoying the success that the festive season can offer. Make sure to be prepared and get in the spirit of things and the holiday period could be a gift in and of itself.
