There are few better ways to enjoy a drink than in the open air with good company. For publicans across the UK, beer gardens represent a golden opportunity to create an inviting space that not only boosts revenue but enhances the customer experience. With the right planning and commercial furniture, your pub garden can be a year-round asset.
At BE Furniture Sales, we provide pubs with durable, stylish and practical outdoor furniture sets that stand up to the demands of the British climate and busy service. Whether you’re upgrading an existing space or creating something brand new, here’s how to make the most of your pub beer garden.
Planning the Space
Before purchasing furniture or planting a flowerbed, it helps to take a step back and consider the layout and flow of your outdoor area. Think about the natural shape and features of your garden. Is it open or enclosed? Level or tiered? What direction does the sun hit during the day?
Designing with purpose allows you to divide the space into zones: dining, drinking, lounging, or even a children’s area. Having clear pathways and seating areas not only enhances the space’s appearance but also facilitates staff movement efficiently during service.
Choose a theme or aesthetic that reflects your pub’s identity. Rustic charm, modern minimalism or classic country style? A clear visual theme will guide furniture choices, keeping the space cohesive.
Choosing Practical and Comfortable Furniture
Your outdoor furniture needs to tick several boxes: strong enough for commercial use, resistant to unpredictable weather, easy to clean, and stylish enough to make a good impression.
At BE Furniture Sales, we offer a wide range of commercial outdoor furniture sets, including:
- Aluminium Bistro Sets: Lightweight, rust-resistant and perfect for easy rearrangement.
- Polywood Outdoor Dining Sets: A classic choice for style and comfort, ideal for relaxed seating zones.
- Wooden Picnic Benches: What’s a beer garden without a picnic bench, the industry standard pub seating.
Choosing a mix of seating capacities allows flexibility for different groups. Two-seater sets are ideal for couples or solo customers, while four to six-seater arrangements are great for families or groups of friends. Many of our products are stackable for easy storage and movement.
Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
Comfort and ambience are just as important outdoors as they are inside. The proper lighting can turn your garden into a warm and inviting space long after the sun goes down. Consider hanging festoon lights, solar lanterns or warm white LED lamps for evening charm.
Add umbrellas or parasols to offer shelter from the midday sun and light rain. Branded options can also reinforce your pub’s identity. Use planters or trellises to bring in greenery and help separate spaces for privacy.
Soft furnishings like cushions, bench pads and throws offer added comfort and a splash of colour. Just be sure to choose materials that can cope with a bit of rain.
Offering Food and Drink Variety
A great beer garden deserves a great menu. Seasonal drinks, cocktails, local ales and non-alcoholic options appeal to a broader audience. Regularly rotating guest beers or introducing a summer spritz menu adds interest and keeps customers coming back.
Snacks and small plates work particularly well outdoors, where diners may prefer a relaxed, grazing style of eating. If your kitchen is small, consider simplifying the menu for outside service or introducing mobile food stations during peak times.
Managing Outdoor Service
It’s crucial that your team can handle increased footfall and a larger service area without compromising on quality. Decide whether you’ll use table service, a separate outdoor bar, or order via an app or QR code.
Clear signage helps reduce confusion and keeps queues orderly. Display menus outdoors on chalkboards, table toppers or stands. Make sure the kitchen and bar are prepared for the increased volume, especially in warmer months.
Maintaining Cleanliness and Comfort
Keeping your outdoor space clean is essential. Wipe down furniture daily, sweep walkways and clear any litter promptly. Provide designated smoking areas with ashtrays, and encourage guests to return glassware when possible.
If you want to maintain a polished look with minimal staff effort, choose easy-clean furniture like aluminium and plastic sets. Our products are designed for heavy use and regular cleaning, ensuring durability without deterioration.
Extending Use Into Colder Months
Your beer garden needn’t be seasonal. With a few additions, it can remain an attractive option well into autumn and beyond. Add patio heaters or fire pits to provide warmth, and consider blankets or branded fleece throws for a cosy touch.
Good lighting is essential in darker months, and waterproof covers can help protect unused furniture. Durable materials like aluminium, resin and powder-coated steel hold up well to moisture and cold, making them ideal choices for year-round use.
Hosting Events and Entertainment
Beer gardens make ideal venues for live music, quiz nights and community events. These not only attract new customers but also create a lively, memorable atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.
Plan your layout to allow for rearranging furniture when needed. Our stackable sets and lightweight options make transitions smooth and straightforward.
Consider offering private hire for birthdays or corporate events, with minimum spend requirements to make it worthwhile. It’s a great way to make use of the space on slower days.
Bringing Colour and Personality
Use your beer garden to reflect the character of your pub. Bold furniture colours, quirky signage, or bespoke branding on umbrellas and cushions can all help set your venue apart.
Our Tolix-style chairs, resin options, and rattan sets come in a variety of colours and finishes, allowing you to create a cheerful, inviting environment that catches the eye and feels instantly welcoming.
Promoting Your Beer Garden
Once your space is looking its best, let people know. Update your website and social media with professional photos, promote events, and share seasonal specials.
Encourage customers to tag your pub in their posts, and consider running promotions to reward check-ins or reviews. A great-looking beer garden can be a strong marketing tool in itself.
Fast Delivery and Reliable Supply
At BE Furniture Sales, we hold large stock volumes in our UK warehouse, ready for next-day delivery. We use our own fleet, trusted couriers and pallet services to ensure your order arrives promptly and in excellent condition.
Whether you’re placing a small top-up order or furnishing a new outdoor area from scratch, we provide the service, support and reliability that trade customers need.
Make Your Beer Garden Work for You
A successful beer garden is more than just a few tables and chairs outside. With planning, the right furniture and a welcoming atmosphere, your outdoor space can become a key part of your pub’s identity and income.
At BE Furniture Sales, we offer commercial outdoor furniture that combines durability, style and value. Browse our full range online or contact us for help selecting the perfect sets for your venue.
Make your pub garden a destination this season and beyond.
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