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Nestled in the picturesque town of Tenbury Wells, The Bridge is a historic pub run by Bob and Sarah Webb since 2006. With two lively bars, a gourmet kitchen, and seven letting rooms, the venue was thriving - except for one underused space. Upstairs, a former ballroom was being rented to martial arts groups, but repeated damage to the property raised concerns. It was clear the space needed a rethink - and fast.
After a visit to Flight Club in Birmingham, Bob was inspired. Eager to explore the idea of competitive socialising, he attended Home Leisure Direct’s 2024 event—a dedicated industry gathering for hospitality venues looking to boost engagement and revenue - Competitive Socialising. The event showcased cutting-edge tech, smart booking systems, and proven customer engagement strategies, all aimed at helping venues turn unused space into high-energy, money-making destinations.
Working closely with Home Leisure Direct, Bob transformed the upstairs space into "CO-SO"—a dedicated games room offering a unique social experience. Key elements included:
Interactive Smart Darts -Two lanes offering an immersive gaming experience.
Shuffleboard - Providing a social, competitive element.
Pool Tables - Two quality tables set for casual and competitive play.
F1 Simulator Room - Adding variety and excitement to the offering
Golf Darts - A unique twist on traditional darts.
Karaoke Room - Available for private hire, ideal for group entertainment.
The room was styled with an edgy, "urban derelict" aesthetic, complete with foliage and graffiti-style art, giving the venue an authentic and contemporary vibe. Investments included repairing the roof, installing a new ceiling, and creative interior design touches that contributed to an immersive atmosphere. Bob also implemented a seamless booking system, "To Go," which integrates with their website for efficient customer management. This system allows for easy online payments and ensures a smooth booking experience for guests.
The transformation delivered remarkable results:
Increased Revenue - Overall performance rose by 25% within the first four months of operation. Importantly, this growth remained consistent even through the quieter months of January and February.
Halo Effect on the Business - The addition of the games room has driven greater footfall and boosted overall customer spend, positively impacting other areas of the business.
Boost in Food and Beverage Sales - The games room has driven cross-sales, with guests dining in the restaurant or enjoying drinks after gaming sessions.
Enhanced Customer Experience - Guests appreciate the diversity of entertainment options, from competitive games to social experiences, all within a stylish and comfortable environment.
Stronger Community Ties - Bob has actively engaged with local sports teams, offering sponsorships and hosting team events, which has further strengthened the venue's community presence and family appeal.
Higher Customer Engagement - The versatile room layout attracted various group bookings, including children's parties, football teams, and private events, with room hire priced at £150.
Ready to unlock the hidden potential in your venue? Whether it’s an unused function room, a quiet upstairs area, or just a corner that could be working harder, we’ll help you turn it into a revenue-generating social hub your customers will love.
Step 1: Identify Your Underused Space
Look around your venue – is there a room, floor, or area that's not living up to its potential? Whether it's a forgotten function room or a quiet corner, we can help you reimagine it.
Step 2: Talk to Our Experts
Speak to Ben Flack or Fred Wintle, our commercial games specialists. They’ll help you explore what’s possible, from layouts to game options – and tailor a plan that fits your space, style, and budget.
Call us: 01454 613636
Email: [email protected]
Visit: homeleisuredirect.com
Step 3: Launch Your New Experience
With delivery, installation, and ongoing support included, we’ll help you create a standout experience with professional-grade equipment. From layout planning to delivery and installation, we’ll support you every step of the way. With purchase or lease rental options, it’s easy to get started - plus you’ll benefit from ongoing servicing and expert support to keep things running smoothly.
