Transform your restaurant’s outdoor space

Posted on 23rd February 2022 | Posted in Hospitality

As restaurants and bars around the world have adjusted to social distancing and outdoor dining, it looks like al fresco socialising is firmly here to stay.

The ever-changing landscape over the past couple of years has meant venues have had to adapt like never before, with many now realising that investing in outdoor restaurant structures is a smart move – and one that sets them up perfectly for the future of hospitality.

Why you need an outdoor restaurant structure

It’s no secret that we love a spot of outdoor dining in the UK. Beer garden culture is practically sewn into the fabric of our society, and the restaurants that take advantage of this are guaranteed to reap the benefits.

Maximising your outdoor space is a great move for many reasons.

• We know that post-lockdown, many customers still feel more comfortable dining and drinking outdoors in the fresh air. And, even those who don’t share these reservations have likely been sold on the joys of al fresco over the course of the pandemic.
• We’ve learned that outdoor socialising can be an option throughout every season – with the use of the right shelter, heaters and even the occasional cosy blanket in winter, restaurants can make use of their outdoor space year-round.
• Maximising your outdoor space means maximising your profits. Additional space means you can seat more covers and serve more customers without waiting times.
• It’s dynamic – a dedicated outdoor space adds a new and exciting area to your restaurant or bar, offering guests more options when it comes to finding the perfect spot to settle down in.

Ideas for outdoor restaurant structures

We’ve been helping restaurants, bars and hotels across the UK maximise their outdoor space with the help of our canopies.

Our Cantabria canopy has been specially designed for the hospitality industry. Its fully retractable roof and wall sides mean it offers the perfect spot for warming up with a hot chocolate under a heater in winter, sipping cocktails in the summer sun, and everything in between.

From breathtaking rooftop terraces to inviting covered al fresco dining spaces, here are some examples to inspire you.

A sleek roof terrace canopy

Let your guests take in the views from the comfort of a sleek, covered roof terrace and they’ll have a hard time leaving. If you’re lucky enough to have a terrace on-site, make sure you’re ready for whatever the weather throws at you with a canopy.

Sabine, Leonardo Royal Hotel, London

With spectacular views over some iconic London panoramas, including St Paul’s Cathedral and the River Thames, it’s little wonder that Sabine London wanted to offer their guests the chance to soak up the scenery in style. Our Cantabria canopy offers the perfect shelter for this little oasis of calm in the centre of the capital.

Sora Sky Bar, Malmaison, York

(Image: Jack Hardy)

We provided a canopy for the terrace area of the Malmaison Hotel in York, a boutique hotel that enjoys a prime spot overlooking the historic Minster. The roof-only canopy has no sides, so it’s perfect for accommodating large groups in summer, and means that even the pesky British rain can’t deter revellers seeking out the most impressive views in the city.

DoubleTree by Hilton, Tower of London

Another hotel that enjoys an enviable location, guests at the DoubleTree by Hilton Tower of London can take in views across famous London sights including The Shard, Tower Bridge and, of course, the Tower of London itself. We helped them transform their terrace space into ‘Savage Garden’, a trendy rooftop bar with six retractable waterproof roofs that mean the space can be appreciated come rain or shine.

A covered al fresco dining space

If you find yourself struggling for space or having to make customers wait for a table, an outdoor canopy offers an effective and affordable alternative to an extension. Perfect for casual dining, after-dinner drinks or even hiring out as an event space, outdoor dining canopies enable you to get more use from your space all year round.

The Garrack Hotel & Restaurant

The Garrack hotel and restaurant featured gorgeous, private gardens high above the golden beaches of St Ives. They wanted to revamp their clifftop terrace area so guests could enjoy the views for longer. Our canopy was a huge success and became a venue in its own right, hosting receptions and wedding parties.

The Yellow Broom Restaurant

The Yellow Broom Restaurant in Cheshire wanted an outdoor space that complimented its idyllic, English setting. Covering the front terrace area with a canopy transformed the space into an area where event guests could mingle, diners could wait to be seated in busy periods, and guests could relax with a drink in the summer months.

We hope these ideas for outdoor restaurant structures have helped inspire you. If you want to transform your outdoor space with an all-season canopy, we can help. Get in touch today and we can talk you through your options.