Stonegate Group operates one of the most diverse pub portfolios in the UK, spanning everything from food-led community pubs to high-energy bars and late-night venues like Popworld and Walkabout. With over 4,500 venues and multiple business models under one umbrella, introducing any new concept requires clear value and minimal friction.
So when Snap-O-Matic’s photobooths started appearing in late-night, high-energy venues, the idea was simple: test and see. What followed was a pleasant surprise.
A Trial That Stuck
“We get pitched a lot,” said Stephanie Bellhouse, Stonegate’s National Gaming Manager. “Most non traditional gaming offerings flop.” But this one didn’t. Initially introduced through a third-party operator, the Snap-O-Matic booths quickly proved their worth, adding energy, offering guests a fun takeaway, and crucially, generating incremental revenue without requiring much in return.
Today, Snap-O-Matic booths are found in select Stonegate venues where the vibe and footfall make sense: late-night, high-volume spots filled with groups on bottomless brunches or post-gig nights out. “It’s the kind of crowd that wants a memory to take with them,” Stephanie added.
Smart Rollout, Sensible Expansion
Once they saw where the booths worked best, Stonegate’s team took a measured approach: cross-reference guest demographics, card sales volume, and floor space. “We looked closely at where the booths would have the most impact, matching guest profile, sales data, and available space,” said Stephanie. Snap-O-Matic worked closely with Stonegate to assess which venues would benefit most.
Maintenance has been refreshingly hands-off. “Martin and his team are brilliant. If there's ever an issue, it’s fixed fast,” said Stephanie. That level of reliability is crucial across a business as large and complex as Stonegate’s.
Space-Saving, Revenue-Boosting
Not every venue has the footprint for a traditional booth, so Snap-O-Matic is developing a custom wall-mounted unit for Stonegate to pilot. “It should be absolutely brilliant,” Stephanie noted. “A great way to make a few extra pennies in places we otherwise couldn’t.”
This collaboration reflects how a thoughtful supplier relationship can lead to practical innovation. When Stonegate identified a space limitation challenge, Snap-O-Matic responded with a tailored, wall-mounted solution. It’s a clear example of how listening to venue needs and adapting the offer can create more opportunities to drive value, without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach.
Low Effort, High Appeal
Feedback from venue teams has been overwhelmingly positive. The booths add value without disrupting operations. Steph mentioned that her team often checks in on booths during site visits, and rarely, if ever, encounters issues, underscoring just how seamlessly the booths run in practice. “From our point of view, it's really easy,” she said. “We don’t have any issues with maintenance from Martin and his team.” During events like those at the O2, demand spikes, and managers love having something fun and visual for guests to engage with.
Final Word
Would Steph recommend Snap-O-Matic? “Without a second thought, yes.”
For Stonegate, the relationship with Snap-O-Matic has delivered both consistency and creativity. From smooth day-to-day performance to bespoke solutions like the wall-mounted unit, the partnership continues to add value in practical, measurable ways. “Martin and his team are brilliant. If there's ever an issue, it's fixed fast.”
The booths have become more than just an added feature, they’re part of the guest experience. Whether it’s a busy O2 event or a weekend brunch crowd, they offer something memorable, shareable, and revenue-positive. For operators exploring guest engagement tools, Stephanie’s advice is simple: work with a partner who listens, adapts, and delivers. That’s what makes it work and last.