Looking for a way to boost sales and stay competitive in the shrinking UK economy? Investing in these 21st-century innovations could give your gastropub a new lease of life and help you prosper in the short term and years to come. They can improve the customer experience, assist with business management and even provide protection in the event of problems. Discover the diverse ways that the latest technology can help your gastropub grow.
1. Screens and digital menus
Having screens by the bar might seem simple, but it can make a big difference in improving the customer experience. You can draw crowds by showing major sports events such as the Olympics, and at other times use the screens to promote offers to help boost profits, like 2-for-1 cocktails, buy-one-get-one-free beers or ‘kids eat free!’. You can also give updates about menu availability in real time and emphasise safety guidelines such as discussing dietary requirements.
You could also introduce digital menus that enable customers to order their food and drinks directly from their seats. This helps avoid blockages at the bar, minimises the chance of order errors and could save you money on staffing.
2. Smart energy systems
High energy prices have been threatening UK businesses since 2022, with many small businesses forced to close. Sustainability is also increasingly a major business priority as consumers are more concerned than ever with ‘being green’. Smart energy systems can help with both challenges, helping you use less energy and lowering your carbon footprint simultaneously.
Smart lighting can automatically adjust to the natural light levels in a room, dimming or brightening depending on the time of day. Similarly, heating and air conditioning can be optimised based on the temperature and number of customers in the pub, ensuring that you’re not wasting energy when the space is empty. These systems also provide valuable insights into usage patterns, which can help you make informed decisions about energy-saving initiatives.
3. CCTV with AI features
Security is always a concern in any shop or establishment, especially larger venues that can hold more customers. Modern CCTV systems now come equipped with AI-powered features that can automatically detect suspicious activity or identify when a fight or argument is escalating. This alerts staff to potential issues as early as possible, enabling quicker responses and resolutions, which reduces the risk of issues escalating into dangerous situations.
Strengthening your security system can be beneficial in relation to your pub insurance, too. Showing a commitment to going above and beyond to maintain a safe environment could give you access to lower premiums, and video footage is valuable evidence in prosecuting troublemakers or in the event of claims.
4. Self-serve beer taps
A growing trend in gastropubs is the introduction of self-serve beer taps. These taps typically feature a card or wristband system that tracks how much beer a customer pours and charges them accordingly. Staff are still present at the venues, and are responsible for topping up funds on the cards and refusing intoxicated customers.
By allowing customers to serve themselves, you reduce the strain on staff, freeing them up to focus on other aspects of customer service. Furthermore, self-serve taps can improve beer sales, as customers can try smaller amounts of different brews, which might lead them to order more than they would if they were restricted to a traditional pint. This system also eliminates over-pouring, helping to ensure that you’re only serving the exact amount.
