Creating a Family-Friendly Pub Environment

In South Africa, a pub, traditionally an adult-themed venue for merry-making and socialisation, is gradually becoming a family-friendly space. British-style pub culture has always been active here, but now there’s a strong trend toward integrating families into this environment. To achieve this requires attentiveness to setting, entertainment, service and safety.

Creating the perfect setting is the first step towards making a pub family-friendly. This involves making available a separate section exclusively for families with suitable decor and furnishings. This space should be more brightly lit with comfy seating that can accommodate groups, and should ideally be away from the bar area. Also, be sure to provide necessary facilities for children, such as changing stations in the toilets.

Offering a diverse menu that caters for every age group is another vital aspect of creating a family-friendly pub. Children’s menus should be engaging, nutritional, fun, and of course, tasty. It’s all good offering bangers and mash for adults, but the kid’s menu can feature fun-shaped sandwiches, fruit skewers or mini homemade pizzas. Also, consider having non-alcoholic drink options like fresh juices and shakes to serve the young guests.

Keeping customers entertained is key to the success of any pub, and families are no exception. As such, plan entertainment activities suitable for all age groups. Hosting early evening quizzes can be a fantastic way of drawing in families. Make sure the quiz includes kid-friendly rounds or have a separate mini-quiz for them. Similarly, when live music shows are on, schedule them to end at a suitably early time so as to not disrupt children’s bedtime routines.

Providing excellent customer service is another important aspect. Staff should serve and interact with children in a friendly, patient, and respectful manner. They could even be trained to engage children in simple games or magic tricks. This acts as an extra source of delight for the little ones and also gives parents a brief respite.

Finally, ensuring the safety of your young customers is paramount. This includes having high-chairs for babies, childproofing where necessary, having a first-aid kit handy, and keeping walkways clear to prevent accidental trips and falls. Additionally, implementing a strict policy against rowdy behaviour is beneficial in maintaining a family-friendly atmosphere.

To summarise, creating a family-friendly pub environment involves a multi-faceted approach. From decor and dining options to entertainment and service, every element must be carefully thought out. The safety of all customers, of course, remains central. By implementing these measures, pubs in South Africa can successfully transform into welcoming, inclusive spaces, suitable for family occasions, or just a relaxed evening out with loved ones.