The On-Premise Revolution.
Remember the good old days? Beers on a Friday night at your local pub, the meet-up spot where music played and laughter echoed. Or maybe it was that big night out, dancing under the lights, feeling like the night could last forever—just as Prince sang about in “1999.” Pubs and clubs were the heartbeat of social life, places of connection, energy, and fun.
Understanding the Challenges.
Today, the on-premise industry is grappling with big shifts. Changing social habits, economic pressures, rising costs, and evolving work patterns are all impacting how pubs and clubs attract and keep customers. These challenges call for a fresh, strategic approach to keep up and stay profitable.
Rising Operational Costs
With UK beer duty among the highest in Europe, pubs are raising prices just to stay afloat, which can drive budget-conscious customers away.
Value-Driven Consumer Choices
Cost-of-living pressures mean people are now choosing value first. They’re seeking affordable experiences that don’t sacrifice quality, making a night out at the pub feel out of reach for some.
Work Pattern Shifts
Remote working has blurred the lines between work and play, so more people are looking for venues that can serve as a workspace by day and a social hub by night.
Demand for Social Experiences Beyond the Nightlife
Consumers today, especially younger generations, want more than just nightlife. Brunches, live music, game nights—they’re seeking experiences that extend beyond traditional pub offerings.
Where Challenges Create Opportunity
While these shifts may seem daunting, they’re also a chance for growth. By reimagining spaces, products, and partnerships, pubs and clubs can turn these changes into opportunities that attract and engage a fresh wave of customers.
Opportunities to Thrive.
From crafting versatile, community-oriented spaces to reimagining product selections and partnerships, here’s how pubs and clubs can meet changing demands—and thrive in the process.
Embrace Community and Convenience
01.
Today’s customers are choosing local spots over city centres. By creating neighbourhood-based venues, similar to brands like Starbucks and Costa, pubs and clubs can become an essential part of the community. This “local-first” approach taps into regular visits and builds loyalty.
Analyse Your Location: Use footfall and demographic data to pinpoint neighbourhoods with untapped potential, crafting each venue to resonate with local interests.
02.
Create Value-Driven Experiences
With value top of mind, unique experiences are the new currency. Loyalty programmes, off-peak discounts, and tailored events can drive traffic and build lasting connections.
Understand Behaviour: Identify peak hours and engagement patterns to create special events and promotions that keep the venue buzzing, even during quieter hours.
03.
Build Strategic Partnerships
Partnering with local brands is about more than just products—it’s about creating memorable, community-rooted experiences. Identify partnerships that naturally enhance your brand’s appeal, creating excitement with exclusive local offerings.
Identify Your Audience: Trend analysis and profiling can reveal which local brands align best with your audience, uncovering high-potential partnerships that might not be immediately obvious.
04.
Cater to Remote Workers
With remote working here to stay, creating dual-purpose spaces is a must. By analysing customer flow and preferences, pubs and clubs can optimise menus and layouts to cater to both the daytime working crowd and the evening social scene.
Understand The Journey: Customer journey data shows when people want energising drinks in the afternoon versus celebratory options in the evening, helping shape product offerings and set up “day-to-night” spaces.
05.
Diversify the Experience to Drive Engagement
From brunches to game nights, customers crave variety. Analytics can help nail down the right events for each crowd, ensuring every gathering aligns with customer demand and builds loyalty.
Engagement is Key: Use engagement analytics to determine ideal event timings, from early brunches to evening trivia nights, creating a calendar that customers genuinely look forward to.
Bringing it All Together
These strategies may sound simple, but the trick is in their execution. If you’re reaching out to remote workers, think about how your offerings align with their needs—from energising drinks during the day to a relaxing pint in the evening. For a neighbourhood focus, consider what makes your space feel like home. What meals do locals expect? Are you a family-friendly spot or a student hangout?
It’s tempting to react quickly to challenges like duty increases, but success lies in a tailored, thoughtful approach. Take the time to understand your full range of potential customers, define your niche, and shape a distinct identity. Data can support you in creating this journey without overwhelming complexity. When approached right, data strengthens connections with customers, suppliers, and staff, fostering growth and loyalty from all sides.
Conclusion: A New Era for On-Premise Venues
The shifting social landscape offers a powerful chance for the on-premise industry to adapt and thrive. By prioritising community, diversifying experiences, and forming local partnerships, pubs and clubs can once again become the heart of social life. As brands across industries have shown, strategic partnerships, local focus, and responsiveness to customer needs are essential to growth.
The on-premise pub industry in the UK has seen an annual decline of 3-5% in recent years, driven by social and economic changes. But by embracing these strategies and expanding reach rather than cutting corners, a return to “the good old days” of profitability is achievable with just a few strategic shifts.
Change with the times, stay connected, and adapt. At Simple Cause, we’re here to support you—helping you understand the insights that can drive meaningful growth and renewed success.