There’s going out, then there’s going ‘out out’. The comedian Micky Flanagan built an entire stand up tour around the concept of ‘out out’ (check this out out if you want a good laugh). In a nutshell, out out is extending the night into the wee small hours, usually by going to a bar or club.

Also, more people are choosing to get hitched in more relaxed style wedding celebrations down at the pub too, which is hugely encouraging news after two exceptionally tough years for the hospitality industry.

If you are contemplating going out out, there’s a new hospitality trend that could make the perfect start to your evening: competitive socialising.

The term is used to capture traditional pastimes often found in pubs and bars, like table tennis, pool, darts and board games, but there is a new breed of entrepreneurs who are taking competitive socialising to the next level and into the future by fitting out former retail spaces and arenas with immersive experiences, where they also serve high-quality food and drink.

So those posts on Instagram of celebrities throwing axes are probably starting to make sense now, as this is an example of the new form of competitive socialising.

The survey also had some other interesting insights regarding the demographic segments that enjoy competitive socialising:

Stephen Plumer, Director of Marketing at TOCA Social (the world’s first interactive football and dining experience) gave his observation on the current landscape; “We are starting to see increasing use of digital and social experiences, blurring the lines between the physical in venue experience and what takes place virtually.”

MUSIC FOR SHOTS, FOR SHORTS, FOR SHAKEN AND STIRRED, FOR LINGERING LONGER AND ORDERING SOMETHING STRONGER.

So what is a great hospitality customer experience?

Yes, music is important, but it takes more than just music. We call it Music+.

For us at Startle, it is something customers tell friends about. It elevates a brand to distinction, with all sites harmonising in unison. Ultimately it improves your bottom line.

What do we mean exactly? For your own brand and business, imagine an atmosphere that’s built to run itself, optimising moment to moment the music, displays and lighting to make sure the experience is always it’s best. Couple that with bespoke entertainment or competitive socialising that integrates seamlessly into your atmosphere and we’re suddenly talking about the pub of the future and we’re already building it.

It’s all possible with Startle.

Why not download for free (and with very little effort) our hospitality brochure? There is one for pubs and restaurants, as well as hotels and cafes.