Everyone loves a bank holiday – especially one where eating your bodyweight in chocolate is (almost) acceptable.

For pubs and restaurants, these four work-free (for some) days off generally spark an uptick in trade.

Easter roasts, hot cross buns, Saturday strolls to the pub, good Friday fish suppers and thirsty weekend warriors all present great opportunities for businesses to seize the season.

But to make the most of the influx of new guests filing through your doors, you’ll need to be prepared.

The wrong kit can turn a huge opportunity for trade into a travesty, so it’s worth shelling out on the right equipment.

But worry not, we’ve listed exactly what you’ll need to do to crack the Easter weekend!

No-one wants to spend their bank holiday slaving over a hot stove (without being paid), so putting on an Easter roast is the easiest way to get guests through the door.

It’s also a great way to generate a buzz about your business – get it right and social media snaps, positive TripAdvisor reviews and word of mouth can all follow.

Think of it as free advertising: what’s not to love?

So how can you put on a roast to remember? Start with tableware. What you plate your meal on can make all the difference. And as chefs have known since time immemorial, the look of a dish can influence how much your diners enjoy it.

You don’t have to do anything extravagant here. Investing in fresh new whiteware will make the colours in your veggies and mint-sauce-garnished lamb chops pop.

This may sound offputtingly simple, but it’s guaranteed to make your roast look as good as it tastes.

And whiteware needn’t cost you an arm and a leg: Athena’s collection of whiteware essentials is fantastically priced, stylishly simple and durable enough to last for years.

But to really put on a show, go with Lumina. Their vast whiteware collection is attractive, durable and has that extra touch of class that’ll transform a good meal into a great one.

While Easter Sunday may be the showstopper, Good Friday can be a big pull too.

As you’ll know, fish is the order of the day here. And as with the traditional Easter roast, investing in the extras can transform your dishes from good to great.

Something as simple as this newsprint greaseproof paper can add an extra dimension to a standard fish and chips. Offering it up in one of our takeaway boxes can really transform your dish into something new and interesting (and hence Instagrammable – more free advertising!).

Just think about how you can make these everyday menu items that bit more special and you’re on to a winner.

Four-day weekends can be thirsty work. Determined drinkers will be out in their droves, and luring them in is essential.

But these aren’t the only ones you’ll want to tempt through the doors. Good Friday diners and Easter Sunday sit-downers are all likely to indulge in a tipple too.

Again, making sure you have the right equipment for the job is crucial here.

Glassware is a must, and you can never have too much. Olympia’s range of glasses come in all shapes and sizes, and are durable enough to survive the demands of a jolly weekend crowd.

For those guests whose sugar levels may be dipping after a chocolate binge, why not offer cocktails? Olympia’s super stylish barware comes in a range of sleek finishes and offers everything from cocktail shakers to strainers. There’s everything you’ll need to whip up a woo woo in no time.

The Beast from the East may have left us cold, but that’s no reason to neglect your outdoor areas. Giving your guests the option to step outside could be the added extra that sets you apart from the competition.

And as the snow-bound Scandinavians like to say: “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad equipment!”

So, invest in the essentials and you could turn the Eastern chill to your advantage.

Patio heaters will save the day here, transforming your frosty patios into toasty terraces for smokers and more daring diners.

Pair them with Bolero’s super sturdy pop-up gazebos and your chilly pub gardens quickly become heated havens.

But preparing just for snow could leave you in the lurch. What if the sun comes out? Being optimistic and preparing for the (admittedly slim) chance of spring sunshine could give you the edge over any indoor-only competitors. Grateful sun-seeking guests and vitamin D deficient drinkers can all follow!

Sun or snow, you’ll need plastic glasses. The small investment is well worth avoiding the hassle of the inevitable smashes that come with outdoor drinking.

To add a real spring feel to your tables – indoors or out – Olympia’s Chia and Fresca crockery ranges are second to none. Chia adds a rustic, pastel-coloured lightness to any dish while the Mediterranean-inspired Fresca is perfect for pastas, salads and more.

And outdoor furniture is always a worthwhile investment. Bolero’s huge range of outdoor essentials not only look great but are designed to weather the elements – whatever the Easter weekend brings.

Easter means family time, and catering for kids is another sure-fire way to boost your profits over the weekend.

Highchairs are a must here, and whether you’re buying new or replacing old, Bolero are the way to go. Their range of sturdy, stackable and stylish wooden highchairs are guaranteed to last – and won’t break the bank.

For more junior diners, you'll need baby changing facilities. There’s several options to choose from – and don’t worry about losing space, they’re all foldable.

Once you’ve tempted your guests through the door, the real challenge begins.

If you don’t have the kitchen equipment to deal with the influx, opportunities for free promotion quickly become poor reviews, angry guests and lost profits.

So how can you avert disaster? Easily, actually!

For that all-important Easter roast, you can’t go wrong with stainless steel gastronorms. Crucial for cooking, transporting and serving those roast dinner essentials, they’re the kitchen workhorse you’ll be thankful you invested in.

If you’re putting on a carvery, rather than a served-up Easter roast, they’re also great for hot-holding. Plus, as they’re easy to clean, freezable and extra durable, they might just become a future favourite in your kitchen.

For good Friday’s fish supper, you’ll need the prep necessities. Filleting knives, tweezers and descalers are essential here.

And fryers are another worthwhile investment. Even if you already have them, Buffalo’s ultra-durable range is great value, and always worth a look.

For a sweet snack, why not offer hot-cross buns? If you’re willing to really push the boat out you could even bake your own. Tins, trays, bowls and more – Vogue has everything you need to create a real home-made buzz.

Once the fun’s over, the inevitable clean-up begins.

But it doesn’t have to be difficult! Jantex’s range of powerful, commercial grade and fantastic value cleaning chemicals will have your venue back to new in no time.

Don’t forget blue roll either. Those little spills can cause a big headache down the road, so wiping them up before they spread is always a good idea.

Pair all these with a sturdy Jantex mop and you’re away!

In short, investing in the essentials and making sure you’re prepared is the easiest way to turn the Easter weekend to your advantage.

Whether you’re a thriving business, or one that’s still trying to find its feet, these little extras can really make all the difference. And investing in them is always worthwhile.

The key is to remember to just have fun!  Give your guests something to keep coming back for and Easter might just be the weekend that makes you.

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