Installing new bistro furniture, rather than traditional pub furniture, could be one way to help boost ailing sales of wine in on-trade premises.
Research from Wine Intelligence reveals that 'big nights out' are on the decline, but that British wine consumers are acquiring a taste for fewer bottles of finer wine.
This means overall spend per bottle is actually on the increase, but on-trade premises need to cater for the types of occasion for which their customers now typically go out.
Among the growing categories at the moment are 'formal meals' and 'informal drinks' - the latter suggesting that people are more likely to relax and sip a glass or two of fine wine than to polish off a bottle or more each.
Bistro furniture can help to provide suitable seating for either type of occasion, creating a more formal dining layout than traditional pub furniture, but doubling as stylish yet informal areas as the sun goes down.
Stackable chairs remain a good option for venues that want to have a dancefloor later in the evenings, or for where some seating is provided outside that needs to be protected from the elements by moving it indoors at closing time.
By keeping pace with the changing market in this way, owners and managers can make sure they not only capitalise on all opportunities, but also that their furniture looks modern and in good condition too - ensuring potential customers are not put off due to appearances.