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If you own a pub or restaurant with outdoor space, there’s a smart way to turn that land into profit: glamping pods!

Across the UK and Ireland, savvy publicans are adding luxury glamping accommodation on-site and seeing real results. From increasing midweek and off-season trade to boosting food and drink sales, glamping pods offer a new stream of reliable, year-round income without disrupting your core business.

This isn’t about becoming a holiday park. It’s about giving your guests a reason to stay the night, spend more, and keep coming back.

In this blog, we’ll show how three pubs: Ardler Tavern in Scotland, Laceby Manor in Lincolnshire, and Malzards Pub in Ireland, have used glamping to attract longer-staying guests, enhance their brand, and grow their bottom line.

 

Cast Study 1: Ardler Tavern (Perthshire, Scotland)

In the heart of rural Perthshire, the Ardler Tavern has turned a small slice of its outdoor space into a powerful hospitality asset. With the addition of a single glamping unit, The Cabin at the Tavern, this traditional village pub has transformed from a casual pit stop into a stay-and-dine destination. The self-contained pod is tucked discreetly into the tavern’s garden area, offering a private and scenic setting just metres from the bar. It’s the kind of place where guests can enjoy a night of hearty food and local ales, then stroll back to their cabin for a restful night, all without leaving the premises. (Sykes Cottages)

The setup is as charming as it is practical. Guests have their own entrance, enclosed garden seating, and a dog-friendly space that feels separate yet connected to the pub. This seamless integration encourages longer visits and creates a relaxed, community feel. It’s ideal for couples seeking a countryside break, solo travellers looking for a quiet stopover, or pet owners wanting somewhere more homely than a hotel. (Sykes Cottages)

 

Glamping Pod Design & Features

The Cabin at the Tavern offers a compact, studio-style layout with warm wood finishes and thoughtful touches that make short stays comfortable and memorable. Key features include:

• A modern open-plan interior with wood-panelled charm

• A pull-down bed with quality linens (sleeps two adults)

• An en-suite bathroom with a shower and WC

• A small breakfast station or kitchenette with continental breakfast basics included

• An enclosed outdoor seating area with garden views

• Central heating and free Wi-Fi for year-round comfort

• Dog-friendly design and direct proximity to the tavern

The pod offers all the essentials for a relaxing countryside stay, while preserving the rustic charm and personal touch of a traditional village inn. Its style closely resembles Home Living Luxury’s Cosy 2 Person Off-Grid Garden Bedroom, making it an excellent reference point for pub owners seeking to replicate this model.

For those looking to add extra functionality, such as a kitchenette and a fully equipped en-suite, our Luxury 2 Person Modular Off-Grid Home offers a slightly larger footprint with built-in comfort, ideal for transforming underused land into profitable overnight accommodation.

 

The Cabin at the Tavern at Ardler Tavern. Image credits to Ardler Tavern

 

Business Impact

Since launching the glamping pod, Ardler Tavern has seen a measurable uptick in both revenue and guest engagement. Visitors who might previously have popped in for a pint now extend their stay overnight, often dining in the pub for multiple meals during their visit. This increased dwell time has translated into greater spend per guest, not just on accommodation, but on food, drinks, and other services.

The pod has also created a valuable new income stream, with high-season rates ranging from £80 to £120 per night. Strong reviews and repeat bookings have helped establish the Ardler Tavern as a desirable mini-break option in the Scottish countryside. Locals have embraced the offering too, booking the pod for visiting friends and family. Most impressively, the entire transformation was achieved with a single unit, proving that glamping can be a powerful revenue driver even on a small footprint. (Planet of Hotels)

 

Case Study 2: Laceby Manor (Lincolnshire)

Laceby Manor, a 150-acre luxury resort in Lincolnshire, has raised the bar for countryside hospitality by integrating boutique glamping pods into its high-end offering. Known for its championship golf course, award-winning spa, and elegant dining venues, the estate introduced a collection of two-person glamping pods located within a secluded “secret garden” area of the grounds. Just a short walk from the clubhouse, spa, and restaurants, the pods offer guests an immersive escape that blends privacy, comfort, and direct access to the resort’s amenities.

By positioning glamping as a central feature of the guest experience, rather than a standalone accommodation, Laceby Manor has extended its appeal beyond golfers and spa-goers to include younger couples and weekend travellers seeking stylish, nature-immersed breaks. Pod guests benefit from all the luxuries the resort offers, including complimentary rounds of golf and spa discounts, turning a night away into a full retreat-style experience. (Hoseasons)

 

Glamping Pod Design & Features

Built with a boutique feel and resort-level detail, the pods deliver the comfort of a hotel suite with the charm of outdoor living. Key features include:

• Modern, open-plan interiors are ideal for couples

• Private en-suite bathrooms with high-spec finishes

• Central heating and fast Wi-Fi for year-round usability

• Outdoor decking with garden seating

• Private hot tubs are available in premium VIP pods

• Access to communal fire pits and BBQ areas

• Convenient location near the spa, bars, and golf course

Designed to echo the luxury of the Manor’s lodges and suites, the pods blend natural textures with elegant styling, making them an inviting, high-margin accommodation type. (Laceby Manor) All of these features can be incorporated into Home Living Luxury’s premium glamping pod designs. In addition to accommodation pods, we also supply complementary structures such as grill and spa cabins and dining pods, perfect for enhancing your guest offering and creating a cohesive, resort-style experience.

 

Glamping Pods at Laceby Manor. Image credits to Laceby Manor.

 

Business Impact

The addition of glamping pods has delivered significant commercial benefits for Laceby Manor. By activating an underused area of the estate, the pods have unlocked new revenue from accommodation without the need for large-scale development. Their appeal to new audiences, especially younger, experience-driven travellers, has broadened the resort’s demographic and increased midweek occupancy.

Beyond room bookings, pod guests contribute to higher ancillary revenue through spa treatments, restaurant bookings, and golf rounds. A typical two-night stay often results in a full-service resort spend, making pods not only profitable on their own but also valuable as a guest funnel into other departments. (Book Holiday Park)

From a brand perspective, the glamping pods have generated strong guest feedback, eye-catching social content, and valuable press coverage that positions Laceby Manor as a leader in innovative rural hospitality. By embracing glamping as a premium and integrated part of its business model, the resort has created a scalable, future-proof solution that enhances guest satisfaction and business resilience year-round.

 

Case Study 3: Malzards Pub (County Kilkenny, Ireland)

Malzards Pub, a fifth-generation, family-run institution in the heart of Stoneyford village, County Kilkenny, has reimagined rural hospitality by integrating glamping pods directly into the pub experience. Already a cultural gem, renowned for its live traditional music, storytelling nights, and unique hurling demonstrations, Malzards has transformed into a full-fledged countryside destination thanks to the addition of cosy on-site log cabins.

Positioned just steps from the pub’s beer garden and motorhome area, the pods allow guests to fully immerse themselves in the warm, convivial atmosphere of the pub before retiring to private, well-appointed accommodation. Owner Fred Malzard jokes that “the back door is as good as the front door,” emphasising how naturally the pods connect with the main pub. This seamless integration turns a simple evening out into an overnight cultural retreat, where guests enjoy a pint by the fire, join in sing-alongs, and then walk just a few metres to their pod under the stars. (Drinks Industry Ireland)

 

Glamping Pod Design & Features

The glamping pods at Malzards combine the rustic charm of the Irish countryside with the creature comforts of a boutique B&B. Features include:

• Twin or double bed layouts with premium linens

• Private en-suite bathrooms with full facilities

• Heating and insulation for year-round comfort

• Free Wi-Fi, smart TV, and tea/coffee stations

• Private patios with countryside or beer garden views

• Direct access to the pub and its cultural experiences

• Optional extras such as breakfast delivery or hurling packages

Designed to suit couples, solo travellers, or small groups, the pods reflect the same welcoming spirit and attention to detail that defines the pub itself. (Malzards) For pub owners looking to replicate this success, what better way to introduce accommodation than with a glamping barrel? Home Living Luxury’s “Viking’s Stronghold” Pod features a charming barrel-shaped design and comfortably sleeps two adults, offering the perfect blend of rustic character and modern comfort that complements any countryside pub setting. See our glamping barrel collection here.

 

Glamping Pod at Malzards Pub. Image credits to Malzards Pub.

 

Business Impact

The addition of glamping pods has had a powerful effect on Malzards’ business model. What was once a beloved evening destination is now a sought-after overnight stay. Guests who might have popped in for one drink are now booking full weekend escapes, often dining at the pub across multiple nights, increasing both food and beverage revenue.

This shift has also strengthened community ties and reduced rural isolation. Travellers from across Ireland and abroad now have a reason to visit and stay, bringing fresh energy into the village and helping sustain local employment. From cleaning and kitchen roles to guest services, the expanded offering has created jobs and allowed the pub to thrive even during slower seasons. (Drinks Industry Ireland)

The pods have also elevated Malzard’s brand. International travellers now visit specifically for the overnight cultural experience, and reviews regularly praise the blend of heritage, hospitality, and innovation. With consistently high ratings and returning guests, the pods have proven to be a high-ROI investment, turning a traditional pub into a miniature rural resort. Try our Glamping Pod ROI Calculator to see how much revenue adding our pods to your pub can generate.

As Fred Malzard puts it, “We’re still a community pub first, but now more people get to be part of that community, even just for a night.” Malzards offers a standout example of how pubs across Ireland and the UK can tap into the power of glamping to drive longer stays, build deeper customer relationships, and secure long-term growth. (Drinks Industry Ireland)

 

Why Glamping Works for Pubs & Restaurants

Introducing glamping accommodation isn’t just a novelty. It’s a smart business move. For pubs and restaurants with unused outdoor space, adding glamping pods can unlock a host of long-term benefits:

• Increased Revenue: Overnight guests don’t just stay. They dine, drink, and explore. Extending visits turns one-off customers into multi-meal, multi-pint patrons.

• New Customer Segments: Glamping attracts a wider audience, from couples seeking romantic countryside escapes to families and outdoor adventurers looking for unique places to stay.

• Unforgettable Experiences: Combining great food, local hospitality, and a cosy night in a pod creates lasting memories that drive loyalty, repeat visits, and five-star reviews.

• Maximised Land Use: Even a small garden or field can be transformed into a high-yield income stream. Glamping pods turn unused land into revenue without major infrastructure investment. See our full pod collection here.

• Clear Differentiation: In a competitive market, glamping helps your venue stand out. It enhances your brand and positions your pub or restaurant as a destination, not just a place to eat or drink.

Glamping isn’t just about offering a place to sleep. It’s about elevating your entire hospitality offering.

 

 

Conclusion

As these three case studies demonstrate, adding luxury glamping pods can be a powerful way for UK and Irish pub and restaurant owners to diversify their income, enhance guest experience, and attract longer, more profitable stays. By combining countryside charm with comfortable, boutique-style accommodation, venues are turning casual diners into overnight guests and one-time visitors into loyal patrons.

At Home Living Luxury, we specialise in designing and supplying high-quality glamping pods tailored to the unique needs of pubs, restaurants, and hospitality venues. Compact garden pods, barrel-shaped retreats like our “Viking's Stronghold” Pod, and larger multi-pod layouts are all part of our customisable range. We help you transform unused outdoor space into a guest-ready destination that adds charm, comfort, and consistent revenue to your business.

All our pods are fully insulated, visually striking, and customisable with options like en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes, wood-fired hot tubs, and more. We also offer extras such as BBQ cabins and communal grill spaces to help you create the ultimate guest experience.

Schedule a free consultation with our expert team today to explore how glamping can grow your business and bring your outdoor space to life. Link below the FAQs!

 

Summary

• Pub and restaurant owners across the UK and Ireland are adding glamping pods to drive year-round revenue and guest stays.

• Ardler Tavern added a single glamping unit beside their garden, turning casual visitors into overnight guests and increasing food and drink spend.

• The Cabin at the Tavern offers en-suite comfort, heating, dog-friendly features, and is listed on major booking platforms.

• Glamping at Ardler increased per-guest spend and repeat bookings, with strong seasonal occupancy and community support.

• Laceby Manor added boutique glamping pods within its luxury resort, near spa and golf facilities, attracting a younger, experience-driven audience.

• Pods at Laceby feature en-suites, hot tubs, and elegant interiors, marketed as immersive countryside escapes with full access to the estate.

• Glamping guests at Laceby Manor drive high ancillary revenue across spa, golf, and dining, helping unlock new income from underused land.

• Malzards Pub in County Kilkenny introduced rustic glamping cabins adjacent to its beer garden, merging heritage tourism with boutique stays.

• Pods at Malzards offer heating, Wi-Fi, en-suites, and direct access to pub entertainment like hurling demos and traditional music nights.

• Glamping has transformed Malzards into a rural destination with weekend stays, increased food/beverage sales, and local job creation.

• All three venues used glamping to maximise land use, extend guest stays, and turn single-visit patrons into loyal overnight customers.

• Home Living Luxury offers customisable glamping pods ideal for pubs and restaurants, from compact cabins to spa-equipped retreats.

 

FAQs

1. Why should pub and restaurant owners consider adding glamping pods?

Adding glamping pods is a smart way for pub and restaurant owners to increase revenue, attract new customer segments, and maximise underused land without altering the core hospitality offering. Guests who stay overnight are far more likely to enjoy multiple meals, drinks, and activities, turning a quick visit into a full-service experience. Whether it's a single garden pod or a cluster of cabins, this investment drives repeat business, improves midweek and off-season trade, and sets your venue apart as a rural escape destination.

 

2. What types of glamping pods work best for pubs and inns?

The best glamping pod for your venue depends on your available space, target market, and the guest experience you want to offer. Popular options include:

• Modular luxury units with en-suites, kitchenettes, and optional hot tubs for longer stays (e.g., our Dual Halfmoon Pod)

• Barrel-style cabins that blend rustic charm with comfort (e.g., our Viking’s Stronghold Pod)

• Compact 2-person garden pods for romantic getaways (like our Cosy Off-Grid Bedroom Pod)

All Home Living Luxury pods are fully insulated, visually appealing, and customisable, perfect for transforming outdoor areas into high-ROI accommodation.

 

3. How do glamping pods impact food and drink sales at pubs?

Glamping pods significantly increase guest dwell time, meaning more meals ordered, more drinks poured, and greater spend per visitor. At Ardler Tavern, for example, overnight guests enjoy dinner, drinks, and often breakfast the next morning, maximising per-customer value. This extended engagement not only boosts revenue but creates stronger emotional ties with your venue, resulting in glowing reviews, social media shares, and loyal return visits.

 

4. How can pubs market their glamping pods effectively?

Effective marketing should highlight the experience, not just the accommodation. Showcase the unique combination of a cosy stay with access to live music, gourmet meals, local ales, and cultural charm. Use:

• Booking platforms like Sykes Cottages, Booking.com, and Hoseasons

• Your website and social media to share guest photos, testimonials, and package offers

• Seasonal promotions such as dinner-and-stay bundles or midweek discounts

• Local tourism networks to boost visibility for out-of-town visitors

At Malzards Pub, storytelling and cultural heritage (like hurling lessons) are woven into the marketing, creating a destination experience rather than just a night’s accommodation.

 

5. What are the financial benefits of adding glamping pods to a pub business?

Glamping pods generate a new, reliable stream of income, often with low overhead and minimal land use. Depending on the location and setup, nightly rates range from £80 to £165+, with some venues reporting significant increases in midweek bookings, off-season trade, and overall per-guest spend. Additionally, they contribute to ancillary revenue across food, drink, spa services, and local activities.

As seen at Laceby Manor and Malzards Pub, even a small cluster of well-designed pods can unlock substantial ROI, diversify income, and help future-proof your hospitality business against seasonal fluctuations.