Summer is here which means sunnier days, lighter evenings and busy bars for those refreshing summer drinks while your customers catch up with their friends and family to enjoy the bright weather.

But are you ready for the summer stocktaking?

We have put together some top summer stocktaking tips to help you achieve the best results for your catering business this summer season;

Review Stock Levels

Remember that as the sunny weather arrives so do the sun worshippers. Your beer garden will be busier and it’s important that you have checked your stock levels so you can cope with the rise in customers. If you get it right every sunny day they’ll be back – if you get it wrong they could go somewhere else.

Think Summer Drinks

While the volume of drinks will change, the types of drinks will change too. You may find that Pimms, fruit ciders, lighter real ales and alco-pops become more popular in the summer weather so make sure you are stocked up and ready.

Check The Prices

While you may have more customers in the warmer weather, you need to make sure you are maximising your income by checking your summer selling prices. This means you can maximise your contribution towards achieving the annual GP.

Check The Fridges

We never know what the summer temperature will be like in Britain, but it is important you know what the fridge temperature is. Make sure you get your fridges and cellar coolers checked to make sure they are in good working order and keeping your stock cool.

Reinforce Bar Tabs

A bar tab is a great way of encouraging customers to stay longer, consume more and spend more. However, the summer sun attracts customers outside and it can be hard to keep an eye on them if they forget to pay. We recommend that you keep a credit card behind the bar in exchange for a wooden spoon or table number so they’ll remember to come back if they leave by error.

Outside Licensed?

If you have a garden, patio or outside area to your restaurant, bar or pub and are offering table service you need to ensure you are licensed to do so. This is often something that is overlooked and can come with a very expensive fine.