Turning an underutilised upstairs function room into "CO-SO" - a high-energy, revenue-generating games room.     In the current hospitality climate, every square foot of your venue needs to earn its keep. If you have a function room that only sees action for the occasional wake or a storage space gathering dust, you are sitting on a "sleeping giant." At Home Leisure Direct, we specialise in waking those giants up.

The Challenge: An Underperforming Function Room

The Bridge Inn, a historic pub in Tenbury Wells, is a well-established venue operated by Bob and Sarah Webb since 2006. Despite having two busy bars and letting rooms, they faced a classic industry problem: a large upstairs ballroom that was rarely used.

The space was occasionally rented out to martial arts groups, but the low-value rental fees didn't justify the repeated damage being caused to the property. Bob knew he needed a concept that could transform this "dead zone" into a destination that contributed to the pub’s daily growth.

The Transformation: From "Ballroom" to "CO-SO"

Bob attended our Competitive Socialising event in 2024 to discover how modern gaming tech could revitalise hospitality venues. Working closely with the Home Leisure Direct commercial team, he reimagined the ballroom as CO-SO - a dedicated competitive socialising games room.

To appeal to the modern consumer, the room underwent a full refurbishment. They moved away from the "traditional pub" look and embraced an "urban derelict" aesthetic, featuring edgy graffiti-style art, neon signage, and lush foliage to create an immersive, Instagrammable atmosphere that encourages social sharing. 

Download the 2025 Commercial Brochure for Full Profit Projections & the Full Case Study

The Solution: A Diverse Mix of High-Yield Products

To ensure maximum ROI and appeal to all demographics, the solution included a strategic mix of products:

• Interactive Smart Darts: Two high-tech lanes that automate scoring and offer immersive gameplay for groups of up to 12.

• Commercial Shuffleboard: A major driver for social dwell time, encouraging guests to stay for "one more round" of play.

• Tournament Pool Tables: Two professional-quality tables set up for both casual play and local league competition.

• Karaoke & F1 Simulators: Adding variety for private hire, with the karaoke room alone capable of attracting high-value group bookings.

The Results: A New Revenue Reality

The transformation of the upstairs space delivered a massive "Halo Effect" across the entire business:

• 25% Revenue Spike: Total venue performance rose by a quarter within the first four months of operation.

• Beating the "Winter Blues": Most importantly, the venue maintained this growth through the notoriously quiet months of January and February.

• Boosted F&B Sales: Because gaming increases dwell time, cross-sales soared as guests stayed longer to dine in the restaurant and enjoy drinks post-game.

• New Revenue Streams: The adaptable layout allowed Bob to price room hire at £150+ for private events and football team sponsorships.

Wake Up Your Sleeping Giant 

As Bob Webb puts it: "The space has become a destination for groups looking to relax and have fun, and it has created a real buzz around our venue."

You don’t need a new building to see these results; you just need to unlock the potential of the space you already have. Whether you have a small corner or a full ballroom, our team can help you design a space that out-earns the competition.

Ready to see what your venue is really capable of?

Download the 2025 Commercial Brochure for Full Profit Projections & the Full Case Study