Get Set for Summer with our Easy Hospitality Guide
Ah, summer! Long lazy days, relaxed lunches with friends, and al fresco evening meals watching the sun set with a chilled glass of wine. Well, that’s the dream. But in reality, it’s one of the busiest periods for the hospitality industry that could cause temperatures to rise without proper preparation. That’s why we’ve put together a simple checklist to help make a successful summer so much easier…
Summer Hospitality Checklist
1. Review and refresh your existing furniture
If you haven't already done so, now is the time to take stock of your current commercial furniture, both inside and out. After all, first impressions count, and you want your guests to be impressed with the look and feel of your venue. Make sure all your chairs and tables are clean and in good-order - replacing any damaged furniture or repairing where possible. Summer is prime 'al fresco' season, so consider whether your outdoor furniture is up to the task. Maybe you could add a splash of colour with some carefully chosen accent pieces or mix in statement furniture that will elevate your venue. Discover more about the top trends for commercial outdoor furniture for summer 2025.
2. Maximise your outdoor space
As soon as the sun peeks out from behind the clouds, potential customers are thinking about relaxing outside and enjoying the weather. Are you harnessing the potential of your outdoor area? Whether you've got a beer garden, restaurant terrace, or an area of pavement outside your bistro or café, you need to maximise its potential. After all, more guests = bigger profits. In fact, according to a recent survey by Opentable, 82% of people want to see outdoor seating options continue to grow and will actively seek out hospitality venues which feature them.
Although style is key when it comes to creating a positive brand image, investing in commercial-grade outdoor furniture is equally as important. At Eclipse, all our products are designed and thoroughly tested for use in high traffic contract environments. That means strength, durability, and ergonomic comfort for your customers - they'll want to stay longer and come back again in the future!
It's worth considering weather and UV-resistant chairs and tables, like the extensive collection from Siesta, that will stay looking smart throughout the year and require very little maintenance. And remember that the British weather can be very fickle, so parasols or awnings are always a good idea to protect your customers from the elements.
Shown here: Malvern Recycled Picnic Bench, EKO Planters, Klasse Parasol
3. Don’t neglect your interiors
There's no denying that outdoor spaces are a big draw for guests during the warmer months, but hospitality businesses shouldn't neglect their interiors. Some customers prefer the consistency that sitting inside offers - air conditioning on a hot day or a comfortable place to be when the weather isn't so great. Inside areas are always going to be used - whether it's ordering from the bar, waiting for a table, or using the facilities. For a seamless flow between the two areas, make sure there is some commonality in your furniture choices, be that style, colour or materials.
Offering appealing spaces, both indoors and out, caters to a wider range of customer preferences. As with any outdoor products, it's worth investing in high-quality commercial furniture for interiors. If you’ve blown the budget on outdoor furniture, it’s worth checking out our selection of clearance furniture for some interior bargains.
4. Optimise your layout for flow and capacity
The summer brings higher customer numbers, and a relaxing outside space will attract passers-by, so ensure you're making the most of your space, and maximising revenue potential, by optimising the layout of furniture. Can you reconfigure tables to accommodate larger groups or events? Is there a clear pathway for staff and customers, particularly for those with mobility issues? Have you got different zones and seating options? Perhaps you could have a casual dining area with bistro sets or bar stools and high tables, a relaxed zone with outdoor sofas and lounge sets, and a family-friendly area with larger tables or picnic benches.
Shown here: Atlantic Armchair, Extrema Table Top in Vintage Copper, Hyde Dining Table Base
5. Prioritise the customer experience
The customer is always right! Well, they're certainly the ones you need to impress. To elevate the guest experience this summer, you need to embrace seasonality and add value to your offering. Give your menu a summer twist by introducing seasonal dishes and a greater option of iced desserts and refreshing drinks. Happy hours or daily specials encourage guests in at quieter times, while themed events such as BBQs, world food evenings, or cocktail parties will create a buzz - especially if live music is involved. And if your venue doesn't offer food, how about partnering with a local food truck?
Think about your core customer and what would make their experience worthy of a 5-star review. If you're trying to attract families then offering accessible areas, kid's menus, plus toys and games could make all the difference. And we all know that Britain is a nation of dog lovers - so how about making your venue dog-friendly, providing secure spaces with bowls of water and complimentary dog treats.
6. Shout about your venue online
So, you've invested time, effort, and budget into getting your business ready for the summer season, so what now? If you haven't got a website, then you're really missing a trick. According to Warm Welcome Magazine, 90% of guests research a restaurant online before dining. A simple website is easy to set up, just make sure it's designed for mobile use, as most people now access the internet on their phones. It's also a good idea to ensure your site is SEO optimised, by using keywords and phrases that customers would search for, e.g. "hotel with summer packages" or "dog-friendly pub". Social media is another powerful tool where you can get instant advertising out to relevant people, show off how good your venue looks, and get some great feedback.
And how about using your venue to host events like wedding receptions, parties or corporate events? Events are big business and can be lucrative if planned properly. You can make sure the right foundations are laid by investing in high-quality, durable furniture for events and functions.
Get in touch...
Now is the time to ensure your venue is ready for the busy summer months. At Eclipse Furniture, we offer a wide range of high-quality, commercial-grade furniture designed specifically for the demands of the hospitality industry. Contact us today on 01452 336 520 or email sales@eclipsefurniture.co.uk for a complimentary consultation and let us help you choose the perfect furniture for inside and out.
