7 top tips to keep customers coming over the autumn

The kids are back at school and the night are getting longer, which usually means a drop in visitor numbers.

Explore our seven ways to foster footfall and raise revenue throughout these trickier months.

1. Keep using your outdoor space

It’s amazing what some lighting, a patio heater or two and some cozy accessories can do to make guests feel welcome in even the smallest covered area. Bonus points if you make it instagrammable, re-dressing the space from season to season.

Our partners at Woodberry are the experts in building and maximising indoor/outdoor spaces. Click here to find out more.

2. Highlight hot drinks and mini desserts

Lots of venues offer this as a part of their main meal offering, but how about a whole menu of minis to appeal to those all day diners? Both Brakes and Bidfood have a great range, or get inspired to make your own here.

3. Compete on coffee

It’s pumpkin spice season, but why should Starbucks have all the fun. Treat your coffees like cocktails using recipes like these.

Don’t see yourself as much of a barista? No worries. Rijo42’s simple to use machines do all the hard work for you so! You can access LSG’s exclusive deal on coffee machines here.

4. Encourage an encore

Present discount vouchers alongside the bill to adults who spend over a set amount, inviting them to visit again before the Christmas season.

5. Dive into the dine-at-home market

Between delivery services, dine-in deals and meal kits, you’re competing with people’s homes more and more. If Mohammed won’t come to the mountain…

6. Get a boost from the big events

There are still three national events to capitalise on before we get to Christmas silly season. How about…

…a pumpkin carving competition, a Halloween cocktail class or spooky cookie decorating for the kids…

…celebrating Divali with rangoon and garland making followed by a feast of traditional foods…

…creating a pre-fireworks BBQ or hog roast including sparklers for the little ones.

7. Host your hobbyists

People with shared interests are always looking for new places to catch up and they often meet at off peak times (during the day, after 8pm). So get onto Facebook, find your local hobby groups and invite them to your place, perhaps offering a discount to sweeten the deal.

Got any other ideas?

We’d love to share your secrets to maintaining footfall and revenue throughout the colder season.