Hospitality, we all know the score… trading in 2020–2021 has been anything but normal, and as we gear up to the busy Christmas period, there’s a lot more to consider than mulled wine, fairy lights, and how to control the boisterous Christmas party crowd…
Because while current coronavirus restrictions may not yet impact the merriment of drinking and dining, the government recently unveiled its plans for tackling Covid-19 through the autumn and winter months, and new rules could see you keeping your outdoor shelters and pub parasols firmly put through the festive season. Let’s recap:
The government’s autumn-winter Covid-19 plan
Boris Johnson revealed a Plan A/Plan B approach to tackling the pandemic this autumn and winter.
Plan A is designed to prevent the NHS being overwhelmed through a focus on testing and vaccinations, in three main ways:
- Encouraging the unvaccinated to get their jabs,
- Offering the Covid-19 vaccine to 12–15 year-olds,
- Launching a booster jab programme for millions of people.
Plan B will be set into action if extra measures are needed—and it is Plan B that could affect the hospitality industry.
Boris Johnson said he is not afraid to bring back additional measures, which may include mandatory masks, working from home, social distancing in public indoor spaces, and the return of outdoor-only drinking and dining in pubs, bars and restaurants.
What does this mean for your hospitality business?
It means that your pub, bar or restaurant can continue to trade for now—but you need to remain cautious and get your business ready with the right commercial parasols and outdoor heating and lighting, because Covid-19 measures might be brought in suddenly, and outdoor drinking and dining could take centre-stage this Christmas.
Maximise your outdoor space this winter
Don’t worry, if Covid-19 measures are brought in that kick us back outside for Christmas drinks and meals, we’ve got you covered with all the outdoor bar and pub parasols, lighting and heating you need to keep everyone cosy and comfortable this festive season.
Here are four ways to transform your beer garden from a sun-worshipping space into a winter wonderland:
- Go premium with your parasols
Whatever the size and shape of your outdoor space, we’ve got the perfect parasol for you. Our range of top-quality commercial grade umbrellas are ideal for pubs and beer gardens, so whether you need classic centre pole parasols for outdoor tables, side-pole cantilever umbrellas, or serious space-saving wall-mounted parasols, there’s a perfect fit for your business.
- Maximise protection from the elements
This is the UK—a winter wonderland can only be achieved when you’re sheltered from the elements! It’s why we’ve created exclusive parasols and umbrellas with a minimum 50kmph wind rating, and we go up to a 100kmph wind rating, too. So if the weather’s bracing, your customers can shelter the storm…
- Style it up with the HeatDome
These mega-stylish urban heaters style up your outdoor space like no other. They’re slick, sophisticated, and ultra-modern, and steal all of the ordinary patio heater’s thunder with their unique look and ceramic heating elements. They’re also super-efficient, using five times less energy than a standard gas-fuelled patio heater, and they’re rustproof and weatherproof, making them a winter staple.
- Shine bright with integrated light
So, your customers are sheltered, warm and dry—but you need to light up those dark winter nights, too. The Nova Parasol with Heat and Light comes with the option of fully-integrated LED lights, which can be operated with a remote or via an app, so you have total control. And you can add heating too, which you can set timers on, so the heat goes up as the temperature goes down.
- Don’t forget the decorations…
…because getting your outdoor space ready for winter-ready can’t all be about Covid-security. String up some fairy lights and lanterns. Put up the Christmas tree. Add some fake snow. So that when your customers are sipping mulled cider on a cold night under a dark sky, they’ll be sheltered, comfortable, and too enamoured by the magical atmosphere to notice the weather!
Prepare your hospitality business for cold weather and the government’s Plan B Covid-19 measures this winter, and check out our range of shelters and heating solutions today.
