Every square metre matters when you run a pub.
Yet many venues have an empty corner, an unused section of wall or a piece of floor space occupied by furniture that customers rarely use.
That space might not be large enough for another dining table, but it could still help you entertain customers, improve the atmosphere and create an additional source of income.
From fruit machines and jukeboxes to compact arcade games, the right equipment can turn an overlooked corner into an active part of your business.
Start by looking at how your space is really used
Pub layouts often develop gradually. Furniture gets moved, customer habits change and areas that once served a purpose become underused.
Walk around your venue during both busy and quiet trading periods. Look for:
- Empty sections of wall
- Tables that are rarely occupied
- Unused alcoves
- Dead space near function rooms
- Wide corridors that customers do not gather in
- Games or equipment that no longer attract attention
Do not judge the space purely by its size. Consider its visibility, power supply, lighting, nearby seating and the way customers move through the venue.
A compact machine in a visible position may contribute more to the customer experience than an extra table hidden in a quiet corner.
What could you put in the space?
The right choice depends on the available area, your customers and the atmosphere you want to create.
Fruit machines
Fruit machines have been part of British pub culture for generations, but modern machines have moved far beyond the traditional single-game cabinet.
Digital fruit machines can offer multiple games within one cabinet, giving customers more variety without taking up additional floor space.
A commercial fruit machine may be suitable when:
- Your venue has an adult customer base
- You have a visible but compact area available
- Customers already ask about gaming machines
- You want equipment capable of generating direct income
- You can meet the relevant licensing and supervision requirements
Pubs and alcohol-licensed premises are generally entitled to provide up to two Category C or D gaming machines after notifying their local licensing authority. Additional machines require a licensed premises gaming machine permit.
Machines must be supplied, installed and maintained correctly, and Category C machines are restricted to adults aged 18 and over. Always confirm the current requirements with your local authority and the Gambling Commission.
Jukeboxes
A jukebox can make an underused wall or corner part of the atmosphere of the whole pub.
It lets customers influence the music, encourages interaction between groups and can help create a lively environment without requiring a DJ or live performer every evening.
A jukebox could be a good option if:
- Music is an important part of your venue
- Your customers have varied tastes
- You want entertainment with a relatively small footprint
- You want customers to participate in creating the atmosphere
- You regularly hold themed or music-led events
Modern digital jukeboxes can provide a much wider music selection than older systems and may support coin, card or digital credit payments, depending on the model.
Punch machines
Punch machines are visually noticeable, competitive and easy to understand. Customers can challenge their friends or try to beat the highest score without committing to a lengthy game.
They can work particularly well in:
- Sports bars
- Late-night venues
- Bowling alleys
- Entertainment centres
- Busy social clubs
- Venues with a younger adult audience
They require more clearance than a wall-mounted product, so placement needs to account for safe use and customer movement.
Quiz machines
A quiz machine can appeal to customers who enjoy trivia but may not be available for a scheduled weekly pub quiz.
It can provide informal entertainment throughout the week and works especially well where customers tend to visit in pairs or small groups.
Quiz machines are also useful for filling shorter periods of downtime, such as while customers wait for friends, food or the start of a televised match.
Arcade machines
A well-chosen arcade cabinet can add colour, movement and nostalgia to a venue.
Classic-style games may appeal to customers who remember playing them when they were younger, while racing games, air hockey and grabber machines can suit larger leisure and family venues.
The best machine will depend on the venue. A retro cabinet may complement a traditional pub, while several games could create a dedicated entertainment area in a bowling alley or holiday park.
Pool tables
A pool table requires more space than most other amusement equipment, but it can transform a larger underused area into a social focal point.
Customers do not just use the table for an individual game. Pool can support:
- Casual play between friends
- Weekly league matches
- Knockout competitions
- Inter-pub challenges
- Charity events
- Food and drink promotions
The table must have enough clearance for players to use their cues comfortably. Lighting, flooring and nearby seating should also be considered before installation.
Choose equipment for your customers—not just the space
A machine may physically fit without being right for the venue.
Before deciding, think about the people who visit your business:
- What age groups do you attract?
- Do customers usually visit alone, in pairs or in larger groups?
- Are they looking for quick entertainment or longer activities?
- Which days and times are quietest?
- Do customers already play pool, quizzes or arcade games elsewhere?
- Would they prefer modern technology or traditional pub entertainment?
A good machine supplier should ask these questions before recommending equipment. The aim is not simply to fill a gap; it is to choose something customers will genuinely use.
Placement can determine performance
Even the right machine can underperform in the wrong location.
Equipment should generally be easy to see without obstructing staff, doorways, fire exits or customer walkways.
Consider:
- Visibility from the bar and seating areas
- Customer privacy without complete isolation
- Access to a suitable power supply
- Lighting and screen glare
- Noise near dining areas
- Space for people watching or waiting to play
- Staff supervision where age restrictions apply
- Access for collections, servicing and repairs
Sometimes moving an existing machine to a stronger position can improve engagement without changing the equipment itself.
What if a machine does not perform?
No responsible supplier should promise that every machine will be successful in every location.
Customer preferences change, and a product that performs well in one venue may be less suitable for another.
This is where monitoring and machine rotation become important. If equipment is not generating enough interest, the operator should investigate why.
The solution might involve:
- Moving the machine to a more visible position
- Updating its games or music content
- Changing the payment option where available
- Improving lighting around the equipment
- Promoting it through an event or competition
- Replacing it with a different type of machine
A fully managed service gives venues the flexibility to respond without having to buy new equipment every time customer demand changes.
Do you need to buy the equipment?
Not necessarily.
Commercial machine hire and profit-share arrangements can allow pubs and other venues to install entertainment equipment without a large upfront purchase.
Under a profit-share arrangement, the venue and supplier divide the income generated by the equipment. Because the supplier also has an interest in the machine performing well, they should help with selection, installation, maintenance and ongoing monitoring.
Always check exactly what an agreement includes, particularly:
- The share of income received by each party
- Who is responsible for maintenance
- Expected call-out times
- How collections and reporting are handled
- Whether underperforming machines can be changed
- The length and termination terms of the agreement
Make your pub space work harder
An unused corner may appear insignificant, but the right equipment can give it a real purpose.
It could become somewhere customers choose the music, challenge their friends, test their knowledge or enjoy a favourite game. At the same time, it can help your venue stand out and create an additional income stream.
Diamond Leisure supplies and maintains fruit machines, pool tables, jukeboxes, punch machines, quiz machines and arcade equipment for commercial venues across the North West.
Our team will assess your venue, recommend suitable equipment and tell you honestly whether a machine is likely to work in the available space.
With our profit-share model, there is no upfront installation cost. We also provide ongoing maintenance, proactive machine rotation and fast local support.
Call 0333 200 3340, email info@diamondleisure.co.uk or contact Diamond Leisure online for a free, no-obligation assessment of your venue.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Gaming-machine requirements can vary according to premises type, permits and licensing status.