It's Game on for Pubs and Bars

According to industry research consultants, KAM Insight, interactive games and activities in venues offering food and drink is trending. From classic games like darts and ten pin bowling, to more modern options such as axe throwing, digital darts or even virtual reality experiences, operators are using the competitive nature of their guests to their advantage, encouraging them to stay longer.

Almost 30% of UK adults have visited a competitive socialising venue in the last 12 months and the frequency of these visits are steadily climbing. Blake Gladman, Strategy and Insight Director, KAM says “It’s more than a trend – it’s becoming a mainstay in modern social life – 41% are returning at least once a month, up from 35% last year. It’s not just dedicated venues seeing this benefit – 64% of consumers have visited a traditional pub or bar that offers competitive socialising and 80% said it enhanced their overall experience.”

Venues offering competitive socialising are popular for special occasions such as a family outing, birthday celebration, quiz night, after work drinks or a fun date night. Blake says “It’s also breaking the rules of traditional nights out as 77% say they need less alcohol to have a good time in these spaces.”

Beyond entertainment, the report reveals that competitive socialising offers psychological benefits too such as improved mood, increased enjoyment, reduced stress and a greater sense of belonging. Blake says “It turns out that playing games and sharing new experiences isn’t just fun, it’s meaningful with 83% thinking you can make more memories when visiting an experiential leisure venue whether its laughter over a game of darts or the adrenaline rush of mini golf.”

Boom Battle Bar

There are several chains providing competitive socialising such as Boom Battle Bar, with a variety of games such as shuffleboard and mini golf; Putt & Play at Hollywood Bowl offering indoor mini golf with multiple interactive courses and Axeperience with its axe throwing sessions.

For those planning to introduce interactive games, its best to start small and build from there. Blake says “If you’re thinking about adding competitive socialising to your pub or restaurant, don’t overcomplicate it. You don’t need huge investment or fancy tech to get going. Simple, classic games like darts, pool, skittles or even board games can instantly make your place feel more fun and sociable. Once you know what your customers enjoy, you can try adding bigger attractions such as shuffleboard tables, interactive quiz nights, or themed competitions or tournaments. The main thing is to make sure the games fit naturally with the atmosphere you already have, so they feel like part of the experience rather than an add-on. People love coming together over a bit of friendly competition, and if you give them a reason to
stick around longer and come back more often, it’ll pay off.”

Low-cost fun activities

Consider starting with low-cost fun activities such as digital darts, tabletop games or cards, interactive quiz nights, board games nights or themed bingo. To encourage repeat visits, try running tournaments, seasonal themes or new game formats.