Indoor Mini Golf
Build a themed mini golf venue with bar in a city centre
Build a themed mini golf venue with bar in a city centre.
Indoor mini golf venues have surged in popularity across urban centres in the UK, offering a unique entertainment experience combining fun, competition, and socialisation. This concept involves creating a themed mini-golf venue that includes a bar and refreshments to enhance the overall experience for customers. By incorporating vibrant designs, clever obstacles, and immersive themes, the venue can attract a diverse crowd, from families to young professionals and corporate teams looking for team-building activities.
The venue will feature 9 to 18 holes, each designed with a different theme, complete with artistic projections, soundscapes, and interactive elements. In addition, the bar will serve a range of craft beers, cocktails, and soft drinks, creating a relaxed environment where guests can unwind and socialise before or after their game. Offering snacks and light bites will allow customers to extend their stay, potentially increasing average spend per head.
This business will appeal not only to avid golfers but also to those who enjoy casual outings, birthdays, or themed events. The indoor aspect also means that the venue is not subject to seasonal fluctuations as traditional outdoor mini golf venues are. Moreover, the location in a city centre ensures high footfall, drawing in both locals and tourists seeking novel pastimes.
With comprehensive marketing strategies, partnerships with local businesses, and dynamic social media engagement, the indoor mini golf venue can gain traction quickly in the local market. Initial promotions and an attractive loyalty programme can help establish a robust customer base, encouraging repeat visits and word-of-mouth referrals.
- Operations
- Design
£10–£15 per round
The rise of experiential entertainment drives demand for engaging social activities in urban environments. People are increasingly looking for unique, Instagrammable experiences to share on social media, boosting marketing potential. The lingering effects of COVID-19 have prompted a desire for safe indoor leisure activities that are still sociable. Local bars and pubs are seeing increased competition, making unique offerings more appealing to patrons. The growing trend of corporate events and team-building activities necessitates versatile venues, encouraging businesses to seek out unique venues like mini golf.
Primary: Young adults aged 18-35, including students, young professionals, and couples.. Secondary: Families with children aged 6-16 looking for fun, interactive activities.. Demographics: Urban dwellers, predominantly from middle-income backgrounds, with an interest in leisure activities and social outings.
The UK leisure and entertainment sectors have rebounded post-pandemic as consumers increasingly seek out social activities and experiences. Competitors, such as Boom Battle Bar and Puttshack, have demonstrated significant success, indicating a strong market for innovative leisure venues. The city centre location of this venue will also benefit from high foot traffic and visibility.
Revenue & pricing
- Standard game (9 holes)£10Discounted to £8 on weekdays before 5 PM.
- Standard game (18 holes)£15Group bookings of 5 or more receive a 10% discount.
- Bar drink specials£4 - £7Craft beers starting at £4, cocktails around £7.
- Birthday party package£200Includes 2 hours of golfing for up to 10 people, plus drinks and snacks.
Costs
- Lease/Rent for venue (first year)£30,000
- Theme design and construction£50,000
- Bar setup and initial inventory£15,000
- Marketing and Promotion£5,000
- Staff recruitment and training£10,000
- Business permits and insurance£2,000
First steps
- 1Lease unit + fit out
- 2Get F&B licence
- 3Hire staff
Your first 90 days
- Secure a venue lease and complete venue setup.
- Launch a social media campaign to generate buzz and anticipation.
- Implement final touches on themed mini-golf course designs.
- Hire and train staff on customer service and safety protocols.
- Set up operational systems, including payment processing with platforms like Stripe.
- Host a soft launch event to gather feedback and adjust operations accordingly.
- Officially open to the public and start hosting customers.
- Evaluate and refine staff training based on initial customer feedback.
- Launch an influencer campaign to leverage local social media personalities.
- Experiment with different game night themes and events to attract diverse crowds.
- Begin to establish partnerships with local businesses for cross-promotions.
- Collect customer data to establish a loyalty programme for repeat customers.
How to get customers
Social Media Advertising
Facebook and Instagram ads highlighting themed nights.
Local Influencers
Collaborations with local bloggers to promote special events.
Email Marketing
Regular newsletters with special offers and upcoming events.
Flyer Distribution
Targeted flyers in local cafes and shops to attract foot traffic.
Tools you'll actually use
| Tool | Cost | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Stripe | 0.75% + £0.20 per transaction. | Payment processing for online and in-store transactions. |
| Xero | £26 per month. | Accounting and invoicing software to manage finances. |
| Canva | Free, with additional templates available for £10 each. | Design marketing materials and social media content. |
| Mailchimp | Free for the first 2,000 subscribers. | Email marketing platform for customer outreach. |
| Tide | No monthly fee, but transaction fees may apply. | Business banking account to manage cash flow easily. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating the startup costs; detailed budgeting is crucial.
- Neglecting to perform thorough market research and understand the competition.
- Poor location choice that fails to attract sufficient foot traffic.
- Not considering the variety of events to keep offerings fresh and engaging.
- Failing to train staff adequately for customer service, which can lead to negative feedback.
- Ignoring the importance of a marketing plan before opening to build anticipation.
- Lack of ongoing engagement with customers through social media and feedback surveys.
How to scale this
- 1Expand to multiple venues in different UK cities based on initial success.
- 2Introduce franchising opportunities by licensing the concept to entrepreneurs.
- 3Develop additional themed experiences, such as escape rooms or arcade games, alongside mini golf.
- 4Create a range of merchandise to sell online and in store, such as branded balls and apparel.
Risks & mitigations
Economic downturn reducing discretionary spending.
Offer promotions and discounts during slow periods.
Health regulations due to pandemics affecting indoor gatherings.
Implement strict health protocols and promote outdoor events.
Inadequate cash flow management leading to financial issues.
Use tools like Xero for precise financial tracking.
High competition from existing entertainment venues.
Establish unique selling points; focus on themes and community engagement.
UK legal & compliance
- Register the business with Companies House for legal recognition.
- Ensure compliance with HMRC tax regulations for accurate reporting and taxation.
- Obtain appropriate insurance coverage, including public liability insurance, to protect against claims.
- Adhere to GDPR regulations for data protection by securely handling customer data.
- Get necessary licenses for alcohol sales from the local council and adhere to licensing laws.
FAQ
Can we book the venue for private events?
Yes, we offer packages for private events, including birthdays and corporate gatherings.
Is there a minimum age for playing?
No, our mini golf is suitable for all ages, but under-12s must be accompanied by an adult.
What COVID safety measures are in place?
We follow all governmental guidelines, including sanitation of equipment and social distancing.
Do you have dietary options available at the bar?
Yes, we offer vegetarian and vegan options as well as gluten-free snacks.
Can I cancel or reschedule my booking?
Bookings can be rescheduled up to 48 hours in advance with no fee.
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