Is a heatwave necessarily good for pub trade?

Ysanne Williams

Spread Eagle Sawley Lancashire

'You can never predict how busy you are going to be in really hot weather, but over the last few weeks we have tended to be busier in the evenings than at lunchtimes. However, when you think a trend has emerged you suddenly find yourself mowed out with lunch people it's all very frustrating! We don't have a terrace or patio but people like to walk down to the river with their drinks.

Neil Monkman

Fleece Inn Elland, Halifax West Yorkshire

'We have a very big garden with a barbecue and outside catering area, so things have been hectic through July. We can seat over 100 people at bench tables and every seat has often been taken. Lager sales have been terrific but the best growth has come in cider, which has really taken off. I don't know who has worked harder over the past few weeks, me or the ice maker!

Kevin Armes

The Rose Grower Nottingham

'We've just opened a small outside patio and it could not have been better timed! It's been a great decision and given us an extra string to our bow. It has definitely attracted extra business and brought people in, so we are very pleased with that. The long-range forecast looks quite good so we may well order some more outside furniture to capitalise on the sunshine.

Malcom Rothwell

Farmers Arms Heskin Lancashire

'I've been here for 18 years and can't remember a better start to a summer. We've been mowed out some days, trade has been exceptional. We can sit 90 on the lawns and patio and are thinking of getting more furniture. It's often difficult keeping the service going so we're looking at ways to meet demand when outside trade is at its peak.