As the world returns to a sense of normality after a chaotic couple of years, life post-pandemic certainly looks a lot different for many of us. Reigniting our love for the great outdoors and the “staycation” are amongst some of the most prominent new norms for Brits.
Statistics show an additional 18,000 restaurants have listed ‘outdoor dining’ as part of their offering since the start of the pandemic. For establishments to capitalise on this new-found interest and growth in outdoor dining, it’s important to utilise the full potential of their outdoor spaces and secure them for year-round protection.
As the warm weather approaches, many Brits will flood towards pubs, bars and restaurants in search of a pint in the sun or an al-fresco style lunch/dinner, and with many businesses competing for their attention; it’s essential to provide an outdoor space that offers comfort, is aesthetically pleasing and stands out from the crowd.
Image Credit: Visit Suffolk
Although soaking up the sun will be a priority for many, comfort is key to enticing customers, whilst enhancing their overall experience. As such, it’s important to provide substantial shading to offer a welcomed break from the heat. Awnings provide instant shade and shelter from direct sunlight; both heat and glare (bright light) and offer outstanding UV protection (minimum 95% UV block). Not only this, but they also deliver a much-needed cooling effect to the indoor room adjacent to where they are positioned and help stop fixtures and furnishings from fading.
Prepare for rain! Whilst retractable awnings can protect and shelter customers from sun, shade and light rain showers at the touch of a button, they can be susceptible to damage from high winds. Modern pergolas with either sliding fabric or opening aluminium louvered roofs and sides offer a more pragmatic solution, providing protection from heavy rain, gale-force winds and even snow. Pergolas with a retracting or rotating louvered roof are also multifunctional and can be left open throughout the warmer months and fully closed during the winter. The addition of side screens, LED lighting and infrared heating will also provide customers with additional comfort and warmth, enabling businesses to make the most of their outdoor commercial space at all times of the day (or night) and in any weather.
Regardless of season and time of day, weather-proofing your commercial outdoor space will benefit and support business growth, revenue and capacity, whilst working in tandem to boost the venue’s potential and enhance its reputation as a result.
For over 35 years, Caribbean Blinds has been transforming commercial outdoor spaces into amazing places that can be enjoyed throughout the seasons and keep customers coming back. Contact one of our experts today on 0344 800 1947 to discuss your available outdoor space and what we can do to extend your trading space year round, maximising both custom and revenue or alternatively complete our free quotation form and we will prepare a initial budget estimate for you on our suggested solution(s) for your application and requirements.
