This Summer’s Best Opportunity: Running a Pub with a Beer Garden
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This Summer’s Best Opportunity: Running a Pub with a Beer Garden

Sunshine, social buzz, and the unmistakable smell of barbecue in the air, summer is when the pub trade truly comes to life. And if you're lucky enough to run a pub with outdoor space, especially a beer garden, you’re sitting on one of the best business opportunities of the season.

Whether you're a seasoned publican, an ambitious entrepreneur, or an experienced pub manager looking to take the next step, running a pub with a beer garden isn’t just rewarding; it could be your dream job this summer.

Outdoor Spaces, Elevated Potential

The UK’s love for alfresco socialising isn’t new, but post-lockdown lifestyles and a renewed appreciation for outdoor venues have made beer gardens more popular than ever. Customers actively seek out pubs with well-kept gardens, patios, and outdoor bars, especially when the sun makes an appearance.

From family-friendly afternoon catch-ups to lively summer evenings with friends, a beer garden transforms a pub into a destination. That means increased footfall, longer dwell times, and bigger spends, all music to the ears of any hospitality business owner.

Why It’s a Game-Changer for Publicans

For publicans, a beer garden isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a competitive edge.

Here’s why:

  • Extended capacity: More seats = more sales.

  • Event potential: Think BBQs, acoustic sets, quiz nights, and sports screenings.

  • Day-to-night revenue: Trade picks up earlier and lasts later when outdoor spaces are in play.

  • Instagram appeal: Great outdoor setups naturally drive organic marketing from happy guests.

And with outdoor service often faster and more casual, it allows your team to work more flexibly, reducing congestion indoors and spreading out service areas.

BBQ Day and the Summer Spike

BBQ Day and the wider summer season give pub managers the perfect excuse to go big on themed menus, special drinks, and sunshine-led experiences.

Simple additions like a charcoal BBQ, limited-edition summer cocktails, or live garden entertainment can transform your pub into the go-to local spot. It’s not about overcomplicating things, it’s about making your outdoor offer feel intentional, welcoming, and worth staying for.

A Dream Setup for Entrepreneurs

For a forward-thinking entrepreneur looking to invest in a pub or take on a new site, venues with beer gardens are gold. The potential to run a seasonal events calendar, increase drink-led revenue, and introduce things like outdoor food shacks, garden bars or family zones makes the business model flexible and future-proof.

You’re not limited to just traditional pub service. With outdoor space, your pub becomes a hub for community events, micro-festivals, private parties, and more.

And the best part? You’re doing it all in the sunshine, surrounded by great people, great food, and even better vibes.

The Lifestyle Factor

Let’s be honest, the lifestyle of running a pub in summer can be hard work, but it’s also incredibly fulfilling.

Picture it: greeting customers in the sunshine, running your own schedule, creating an environment where people genuinely want to spend time. That’s the reality for many publicans who take on pubs with outdoor space and make the most of the warmer months.

With the right setup, support, and vision, this can be more than a job, it can be your lifestyle.

How to Make It Work

If you're already a pub manager or thinking about becoming a hospitality business owner, here are some ways to maximise a beer garden this summer:

  • Create zones: Think dining area, relaxed seating, family corner, and standing space for events.

  • Use lighting: Festoon lights, lanterns and uplighters turn evenings into magical experiences.

  • Add greenery: Plants, flowers and even artificial turf can lift the look instantly.

  • Make it Instagrammable: Murals, fun signs, and garden games can encourage guests to post and tag.

  • Push events: BBQs, summer quizzes, outdoor cinema nights, or weekend DJs can draw in new crowds.

Ready to Run the Dream Pub?

Running a pub with a beer garden this summer isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to be at the heart of your community while building a business that’s vibrant, social, and full of opportunity.

If you’re a publican or entrepreneur looking to take on your next venture, a pub with outdoor space is one of the smartest and most scalable choices out there. And if you’re already in the industry, now’s the time to lean into the season and make your beer garden the star of the show.

Because when the sun’s out, your pub should be too.