Crazy for Coffee!
According to Lavazza’s UK Coffee Stats, it's estimated that the UK drinks 95 million cups of coffee a day!
In 2024, 29.8 million kilograms of coffee was predicted to be purchased at coffee shops, cafes, workplaces, and coffee on the go, increasing to 34.5 million kilograms by 2028.
In fact, coffee is so important to the UK public, that there’s a whole week dedicated to it! From 13th-19th October 2025, it’s UK Coffee Week, where hundreds of coffee shops, restaurants, roasters and retailers take part by donating from every cup or bag of coffee sold, running events and competitions, and engaging their customers in this exciting and valuable campaign.
If you’re interested in taking part, it could drive footfall into your venues and start meaningful conversations with your customers at a time when ethical commitments are increasingly important.
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Coffee as an Experience
Whether coffee is your main offering or part of the wider dining experience, it’s important that you know your beans! Obviously, a cup of coffee has got to taste great, but it’s a balance of a few different factors:
- Quality Beans
Consider the origin, variety and roast of the beans you offer. Their variety and where they’re grown will impact the flavour and aroma. The roasting process will affect the intensity, acidity and bitterness.
- Freshness
Fresh is best! Grinding beans immediately before brewing ensures maximum freshness and always store coffee in an airtight container away from light and heat.
- Water Quality
Filtered water is often preferred because of its cleaner taste. Also, for a great cup of hot coffee, brewing at the optimal temperature (usually between 90°C and 96°C) is essential for proper extraction.
- Brewing Method
Different brewing methods (e.g., pour-over, French press, espresso) extract different flavours and strengths, and the quality of the brewing equipment can influence the final result.
- Personal Preference
It’s always important to ask the customer what they want. The strength of a perfect cup of coffee is personal taste. A choice of milk alternatives, sugar and other flavourings will enhance the coffee experience.
It’s also important to consider the overall look of your coffee, so consider how the style of your cups and saucers reflect the ambiance of your venue and whether you offer an accompaniment, such as a biscuit or chocolate.
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A Reflection of Your Food
If you’re a restaurant owner, you’ll know that many people enjoy a cup of coffee after their meal. Offering a great customer experience means that you should take your drinks menu as seriously as your food menu. Demonstrate that you know your coffee by offering a variety of flavours and advising your customers on which choice would be suitable for them and the meal they have just enjoyed.
How to Choose the Perfect Café or Restaurant Furniture
A top-notch cappuccino or latte will bring your customers in, but the right furniture will keep them there for longer and will have them coming back for more. The ambience you create will help customers relax and enjoy their coffee. Here are our top tips in choosing the right café chairs and tables for your space:
- Style
You’ll want your furniture to suit the aesthetics and brand identity of your café. Are you creating an ambiance that’s warm and cosy, cool and modern or tasteful and traditional? We offer a wide range of commercial seating and tables in a variety of styles that will suit your venue.
- Functionality & Durability
Your furniture might look great, but if it’s not functional, it’s not doing its job properly. Crafted with precision and designed for durability, our collection of café furniture has been designed with your needs in mind. Functionality is key; from space-saving foldable tables to stackable chairs, our furniture is versatile and adaptable, helping you to easily rearrange or adapt your space to accommodate different seating arrangements or events.
If you suffer from wobbly tables and spilt coffee, it’s worth considering our bestselling FLAT range. Our FLAT table bases feature ground-breaking self-stabilising technology. Designed to keep your customers happy by eliminating wobbly tables and puddles of upset espresso.
Kendal Armchair, Enduratop Round Table Top – Cement, Evo Table Base
- Comfort
It’s always a good idea to provide a variety of café seating options, including chairs, sofas, and high-top tables with bar stools, to cater to your customers different preferences. Adding cushions and pillows will enhance comfort and add a touch of personality. Also consider customers with small children and those using wheelchairs; make sure there’s enough space for everyone to both sit and move freely throughout the space.
- Sustainability
Choosing sustainable contract furniture can contribute to a more environmentally friendly future, enhance your brand image, and create long-term cost savings. If you’re looking to make your business eco-friendlier, discover our EKO tabletops. Made from recycled materials and are manufactured to be stronger than natural, they require no painting or priming and are completely maintenance free.
- Outside Spaces
Especially during the warmer months, customers will enjoy sitting outside, so don’t neglect your outdoor café furniture. At Eclipse, we offer rust-proof, UV resistant and waterproof chairs and tables that have been designed to withstand the elements while adding style to your exterior space.
Aztec Lounge Armchair, Aztec 2 Seater Sofa, Character Oak Rectangular Table Top, Quarto Table Base
If you’re interested in finding out more about our design-led café and restaurant contract furniture, please don’t hesitate to call one of our friendly sales advisors on 01452 336 520 or email sales@eclipsefurniture.co.uk.
FAQs
What type of commercial furniture is best suited for high-traffic cafés?
High-traffic cafés need commercial-grade furniture built for durability, ease of maintenance, and versatility. Look for stackable chairs for easy storage, stain- and scratch-resistant surfaces (such as recycled EKO tabletops), and self-stabilising table bases—like the FLAT range—to prevent wobbly tables and accidental spills.
How much space should I leave between café tables and chairs?
To maintain customer comfort and allow staff to navigate freely, allow roughly 450mm for a chair extended from the table, plus an additional 450mm gap between seated guests. Overall, aim for 1 to 2〖" m" 〗^2of space per customer depending on whether you operate a fast-paced espresso bar or a full-service café.
How do I choose weather-resistant furniture for outdoor café seating?
For outdoor areas, select contract furniture specifically engineered to withstand weather conditions. Choose materials that are rust-proof, UV-resistant, and waterproof so they won't fade or deteriorate under direct sunlight or rain. Stacking or lightweight frames also help staff move outdoor sets inside securely at the end of the day.
How does café seating impact customer experience and average spend?
Your choice of furniture sets the overall tone and comfort level of your venue. Providing a mix of seating options—such as soft lounge armchairs, high-top bar stools, and supportive dining chairs—caters to different customer needs (from quick espresso stops to laptop workers). Comfortable, well-designed seating keeps guests in your venue longer, directly encouraging additional food and drink sales.
