Renovating a pub is never easy, especially if you want to attract a young crowd. Besides, in a city like Bristol, with its vibrant music and nightlife scene, there is no shortage of competition.
The UK has over 47,000 pubs. Bristol alone has over 600 of them. You can pretty much assume how tough the competition can get when it comes to running a pub. Thus, in the United Kingdom, where pub culture is one of the biggest in the world, you will have to navigate a lot of ideas and plans to make your pub successful.
With the right approach, however, you can transform your pub into a trendy hotspot that appeals to the younger generation. For you to do that, here are a few tips.
#1 Create a Welcoming Atmosphere
One of the most important things to consider when renovating a pub is the atmosphere. You want to create a welcoming environment that makes people feel comfortable and at home. This means paying attention to things like lighting, seating, and decor.
Consider using warm, inviting colors and soft lighting to create a cozy ambiance. Use comfortable seating like sofas and armchairs to encourage people to linger and socialize. Hang art on the walls or add interesting design elements to make the space feel unique and memorable.
You should also have a TV in one corner of the pub. Make sure you’re screening the matches of Bristol City F.C. during their game weeks, especially the Championship matches. This will surely appeal to the young crowd as they are very much into soccer. At the same time, you’ll also have a lot of older people showing up as well. After all, it’s Bristol playing. The locals love nothing more than watching the game with a cold beer in their hands.
#2 Focus on Social Spaces
When it comes to appealing to a younger crowd, creating social spaces is key. This means designing areas where people can come together and socialize, whether it’s a communal table, a lounge area, or an outdoor patio.
Having a TV and screening Bristol’s soccer matches is a great way to start making your pub the socializing hotspot in town. However, you can always do more.
Consider installing games like pool tables or dart boards to encourage interaction and friendly competition. Make sure there is plenty of seating available, and create designated areas for groups of people to hang out together.
#3 Offer a Variety of Drinks
Younger drinkers are often interested in trying new things, so it’s important to offer a wide range of drinks to appeal to different tastes. Consider investing in a craft beer selection or offering a range of cocktails and mocktails. Make sure you have a good selection of non-alcoholic options, too, as many younger people are choosing to drink less or not at all.
In Bristol, the locals enjoy alcoholic cocktails that contain tequila, gin, vodka, rum, or whiskey, so if you’re planning to serve cocktails, you can focus on these. Rest assured, if the local crowd enjoys these cocktails, the youth will too.
#4 Invest in Quality Flooring
When it comes to renovating a pub, it’s easy to overlook the importance of flooring. However, flooring can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of your pub. Consider investing in quality flooring materials that are durable and easy to maintain, like hardwood or tile. Avoid carpeting, which can quickly become stained and worn.
If you have wooden floors, you should get in touch with a company that provides services in floor sanding in Bristol. Working with local companies like Advantex Cleaning, who maintain a five-star rating on Google for their services, is your best bet here.
That’s because wooden flooring will require a lot of effort to ensure a thorough renovation or restoration process. Thus, for floor restoration or repairs, floor sanding is a must, and you can’t leave it in the hands of an inexperienced company that doesn’t boast such a high rating.
#5 Host Events and Live Music
Hosting events and live music can be a great way to attract a young and vibrant crowd to your pub. Consider hosting trivia nights, karaoke events, or live music performances to draw in a crowd. You, of course, have your matchday soccer screenings. These work as events too that can draw in a young crowd.
Partner with local musicians or DJs to bring in new customers and create a buzz around your pub. Be sure to promote these events heavily on social media and in local publications to maximize their impact.
#6 Use Social Media to Promote Your Pub
After you’ve renovated your pub and added these extra elements to it, it’s time to promote the pub on social media. The youth these days discover new and interesting places through social media. The Bristol youth is no different. Target these young minds through social media and engage with them on the platforms.
Share pictures and videos of your pub, musical events, soccer screenings, etc. You should also talk about these events on social media before they take place so that you can build a bit of hype. Making the most of social media will help you a long way in bringing in the young crowd you’re targeting.
With that, you’ll have fully revamped your Bristol pub. Now all you have to do is be patient and keep at it. Success will take its time, but it will eventually reach your pub’s doors.
