Top tips on making the most of sunny weather

Gardens offer plenty of scope for operators to develop income from all aspects of their businesses.

Gardens and terraces can double trading capacity and should be viewed as a formal extension to your internal trading areas.

As the summer trading season gets into full swing, take steps now to supplement your income and make your garden a key aspect of your business.

What to do right away:​

Far too often, we see poorly maintained trade gardens that have been taken for granted and aren’t cleared or cleaned every day. Having some tables outside and hoping they will be used on warmer days is not enough. It may sound obvious, but start by getting a grip on your presentation.

Make sure the lawn is cut, rubbish is removed and the area is tidy. Be sure to thoroughly clean outside furniture and children’s play areas. If your table and chairs are starting to look a bit tired, invest in some good-quality outside furniture.

It is vital your garden is sufficiently enclosed to be safe for young children, so make sure gates and fences are secure. Finally, there’s no point having a beautiful garden if no one knows about it, so make sure there are signs and boards that visibly promote it.

What to think about for the future:​

Being imaginative will give consumers a reason to visit your pub rather than your competitors. Currently, we’re marketing the Three Horseshoes, in Bennett End, Buckinghamshire, which has a partially sunk red telephone box in the garden that has been made into a water feature.

This isn’t an option for everyone, but you could create your own beach effect by sanding an area, something we have seen work fantastically well.

Devising an outside events programme — a beer festival, a barbecue or a hog roast is also a sure way of making the most of summer. Finally, make sure you are running an outside table service. Having staff outside asking for orders is more important than collecting glasses.

Paul Davey is managing director of Davey & Co.​