Keeping Pubs Afloat with the Right Commercial Bar Fridge

The pub industry is facing immense challenges, from rising costs to shifting consumer expectations. Yet, smart investments in the right commercial bar fridge can help pubs navigate these pressures, cutting expenses, enhancing customer experiences, and staying competitive.

With innovative products like Husky’s bar fridge ranges, pub owners can reduce costs, attract new customers, and thrive in a tough market. Let’s explore how pubs can leverage refrigeration to adapt and succeed.

Cutting Energy Costs with Eco-Friendly with the Right Commercial Bar Fridge

According to BBPA, energy costs remain one of the biggest challenges for pub owners. Although wholesale energy prices have started to fall, the pub industry is still paying 2–3 times more for energy compared to pre-crisis levels. For many, long-term contracts signed during the peak mean that relief is still out of reach.

Investing in energy-efficient refrigeration, like Husky’s Eco Back Bar, offers a practical solution. This commercial bar fridge is designed to minimise energy consumption without compromising performance, providing pub owners with significant savings on their energy bills.

Eco-friendly refrigeration not only cuts costs but also appeals to the growing number of eco-conscious consumers. Pubs adopting greener practices often gain media attention and attract customers who prioritise sustainability. The Winchester bar in Nottingham, for example, has been featured in The Caterer for using the Husky Eco double-door back bar cooler.

Tackling Financial Pressures: Commercial Bar Fridge Interest-Free Payments

Beyond energy costs, the pub industry is grappling with high interest rates, which have reached their highest point in 15 years (BBPA). This has made borrowing more expensive, increasing debt servicing costs and putting strain on already tight margins. For pub owners looking to upgrade their venues, financing can feel like a hurdle.

Husky helps ease this burden by offering six months of interest-free payments on our commercial bar fridge solutions. This flexible financing makes it easier for pubs to invest in essential upgrades, such as bottle coolers and catering fridges and freezers, without compromising cash flow.

Adapting to Tighter Consumer Spending with Memorable Experiences

The cost-of-living crisis is hitting pubs hard. With rising prices and wages failing to keep pace, consumers are cutting back on leisure activities, including pub visits. As customers become more selective, pubs must ensure that every visit leaves a lasting impression.

Modern refrigeration plays a key role in creating a memorable pub experience. Husky’s back bar fridges feature LED lighting that enhances product displays, making venues and drinks more appealing to customers. Reliable refrigeration ensures beverages are served at the perfect temperature, reinforcing the quality customers expect.

Pubgoers today are seeking more than just a drink—they’re looking for unique, experience-driven outings. Whether it’s sampling new cocktails, trying exotic drinks, or attending themed events, novelty is key to attracting modern customers.

One of the fastest-growing trends in the industry is the rise of ready-to-drink cocktails (RTDs). According to NIQ and Diageo, RTDs are growing four times faster than the overall alcohol category. To accommodate these products, consider adding more back bar coolers from Husky. These units provide the perfect storage and display solution for innovative drink offerings, keeping them at the ideal temperature and making them visually appealing to customers.

In addition to expanding your product range, hosting creative, themed events can drive foot traffic and build customer loyalty. From cocktail nights to bottomless brunches, games nights, or even seasonal promotions, flexibility in your pub’s offerings keeps things fresh and exciting for your audience. Husky’s back bar coolers are perfect for these occasions, offering quick access to drinks, LED-lit displays to enhance presentation, and reliable performance to keep service running smoothly.

Leveraging Events: Sports Nights, Christmas, and Beyond

Events are a lifeline for pubs, driving foot traffic and creating opportunities for higher-margin sales. From live sports screenings to festive Christmas meals, pubs that cater to event-driven customers can see significant revenue boosts.

Sports events are a major draw for pubs, with one in three adults visiting pubs to watch live games, according to Public First. These events are an excellent opportunity to drive foot traffic and boost sales. If your pub doesn’t already cater to sports fans, consider obtaining a broadcasting license to screen popular matches and attract new patrons.

Among sports viewers at pubs, 46% also order food, highlighting the potential to grow revenue by offering meals alongside drinks. If your pub doesn’t currently serve food, consider adding food to your menu to capitalise on this demand. Husky’s catering fridges and freezers range is perfect for storing and preparing match-day dishes, ensuring that you can serve delicious meals consistently during busy game nights.

The festive season is another critical period for pubs. According to reports from Access, Christmas 2023 was one of the best-performing times for the industry, proving that seasonal events remain a key revenue driver. Make sure to upgrade your refrigeration units ahead of the holiday rush. The festive period is not only the busiest but also the most profitable time for pubs, and a refrigeration breakdown during this period can lead to significant losses. With engineers in high demand—and often expensive—during the holidays, investing in reliable equipment is essential to keep operations running smoothly.

To avoid disruptions, consider adding backroom fridges and freezers as backups. These units ensure you have the capacity to store extra food and drink stock, helping you meet high customer demand without worry.

The challenges facing the pub industry are undeniable, but they also present opportunities for growth and innovation. By investing in the right commercial bar fridge, embracing customer-driven experiences, and leveraging events, pubs can thrive even in challenging times.