Increase your turnover through the creation of profitable outdoor space!

Protection from the elements

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Our temperate climate means that Britain generally suffers from cool, wet winters and warm, wet summers. In short, it rains a lot so you’ll need to ensure your outdoor area can be enjoyed equally whether customers are basking in brilliant sunshine or sheltering from a shower. You can find a variety of options when it comes to providing shade and protection from the elements. From marquees, gazebos or igloo pods all the way through to solid timber framed pergolas - there's literally a solution for every budget, terrain and layout! However, you’ll need to check the conditions in your premises licence for your outdoor trading parameters before investing.

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Creating a warm environment

 

Next, you need to think about how you can heat the area both economically and efficiently. Again, there are several different options – all with different pros and cons – from infrared heating that hearts only where needed, through to braziers or outdoor fireplaces which add ambience and drama.

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Whatever your choice, heaters should be positioned in a way that supplies even heat distribution across both the seating and food serving areas. Another point to consider is the nature and direction of prevailing winds. Thoughtful placement of heating in areas most susceptible to ingress of cold air, using wall-mounted, ceiling-mounted, suspended, or portable heaters, will create warm and welcoming spaces where guests can dine and relax comfortably at any time of the year.

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Too comfortable to leave

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Furniture should be another key consideration, gone are the days when it was sufficient to scatter an array of picnic benches throughout an outdoor space. Today’s customers are looking for far more, they want the fresh air and space of the outdoors along with the comfort and relaxation of indoors. Your furniture choice is the one area that will help any outdoor setting rise above any competing establishment and encourage customers to stay longer and spend more money.

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Shed some light on the matter

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Then there’s lighting, it stands to reason that it should provide enough illumination for customers to move through your space safely without fear of tripping over unseen hazards. However, good lighting can also transform an ordinary outdoor setting into one that oozes ambience, warmth and encourages customer retention. So, from spotlights to path lights, recessed floor lights to solar lights, string lights to lantern lights, you’ll need to ensure your choices meet both the functional and aesthetic needs of your project.

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Attracting al-fresco appetites

 

Finally, you need to think about your food offerings. Are you looking to simply extend your dining areas outside, blurring the lines between inside and out? Alternatively, are you looking to provide more of a dramatic experience, capturing customer attention with the theatre of an open outdoor kitchen or BBQ? It’s a great way to entertain guests and the appetising aromas may even persuade those who had only visited for a tipple to put in an order. In addition to increasing revenue, a second kitchen space outdoors takes pressure off the indoor back of the house, helping to increase speed of service, too.

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As the Queen's Platinum Jubilee approaches, now is the time to start thinking about how you can make your outdoor space as inviting as possible. The extended Bank Holiday weekend will be a national celebration, and you want your business to be ready for it. Our partners can provide a range of products and services to help you extend your business outside, including furniture, shading, and lighting. With their help, you can create an outdoor space that is comfortable and stylish, perfect for entertaining your customers during the Jubilee weekend. So don't wait - start planning now and make sure your business is ready for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.