Helping you open outside
As lockdown eases, the safest way to enjoy a meal out will be to sit outside. At least for the foreseeable, it will be the only way to enjoy a meal out. The way that you operate your business may need to significantly change in order to be able to trade under these new restrictions and if you are to open at the earliest time, you may need to make adaptations to the way that you operate, market and deliver your services. Newbridge bring you our top ideas to help you adapt and make the most of your outdoor spaces.
Ensure that you check any outdoor permits or licensing restrictions. If the only space that you have outside your premises is street seating, you may need to check with your local council that you can use this area. You may also need to consider whether such seating would follow social distancing measures.
Start slow and later grow – If you are new to outdoor dining, start by offering takeaway options with a few outdoor tables for customers. Gradually expand the area or your menus options until you feel comfortable. Adjust slowly so you can cope with the rising footfall should this option take off.
Utilise your space – Use umbrella’s and cabanas to create undercover seating options. Use outdoor lighting such as solar fairy lights to create ambiance. Patio heaters or heating options are also a consideration to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Is there space outside your venue on the pavement? Do you have a rear garden area that could be cleared and tidied up? Can you work with a neighbouring business who have outdoor space that they don’t use? There are lots of options to consider, you may have to be creative.
Be clear to your customers prior to arrival of your safety expectations. If you have a one-way system, tell them. If you require them to wear masks in certain areas of the business, ensure they know. This sort of information could be made available upon booking or circulated with menu options.
Be creative with your outdoor décor. Plan for all seasons and all weathers as the British weather can be unpredictable. Consider f your furniture you intend to use outdoors is weatherproof. Are your lights for outdoor use? Have you got extension leads? Could you use solar powered lights? Try and obtain heaters such as patio heaters, single use blankets or retractable awnings. Make the experience quirky and your guests will really enjoy it!
Make sure that your outdoor space/s are reflective of your branding by being consistent with colours and décor.
Use software to manage your online reservations and to accurately adjust your reservation availability as you move outside. Use contactless payment options and integrated software so that orders can be taken outside and updated in the kitchen / bar in real time for ease and speed. Consider how far your staff may have to walk to deliver orders to tables.
Make your menu options downloadable for speed and ease of use, this also ensures safety as menu’s won’t be needed to be handed around. Keep menu options limited whilst you get the hang of the new adaptations and add to the options further down the line. Choose a few firm favourites to begin with so staff don’t become overwhelmed.
Post photographs of your new outdoor area on social feeds and on your website, offer dining vouchers and promotions to encourage footfall. Consider using a PR firm or social media manager to manage your advertising to ensure reach and engagement.
There is so much to consider when adapting your business, however in these ever changing and uncertain times the ability to change is crucial. There is much competition and more and more businesses are coming up with creative ways to trade and work with the restrictions. How are you reopening?
