Maximise your outdoor space with a stylish terrace
Whether you run a restaurant, hotel, café, or pub, there’s no denying that guests actively search out venues with outdoor dining areas, especially during the summer months. In fact, according to the National Restaurant Association 69% of customers in the UK prefer venues where they can eat outside. And research by Restaurant Online shows that 79% of people would increase their dwell time if table service was available al fresco.
As a business, you don’t need a huge garden to be able to offer outdoor dining, a terrace is a simple and stylish way to utilise your outside space and significantly boost your venue's appeal and profitability. It offers guests a change of scenery, a connection to nature, and an experience that encourages longer stays and repeat visits.
A terrace space can be a valuable extension of the dining experience. Give it the love it deserves by choosing high-quality, comfortable commercial furniture and make it feel like a defined space by delineating with café barriers, fencing, or well positioned planters.
Summer Streets Campaign
If your hospitality business is based in London, you may have heard about the Summer Streets fund – a campaign to make it easier for bars and restaurants to offer outdoor dining.
According to the government website, the £300,000 Summer Streets Fund will enable areas across the capital to open-up this summer and reflects the Mayor’s commitment to outdoor dining and longer opening hours ahead of being granted new licensing powers from Government to help boost the capital’s nightlife. The Mayor is keen to build on this early expansion across London in the years ahead, putting al fresco dining on the menu for all Londoners and offering more choice and more time for Londoners to enjoy the best the capital has to offer.
So, it’s worth checking whether you’re in an area that could benefit from this fund and transform your outdoor area, whatever size, into a vibrant terrace. At Eclipse Furniture, we’re here to help you elevate your space with stylish, durable contract furniture that’s in stock and ready for fast delivery.
Top tips for creating a welcoming terrace
Get the right balance between practicality and style: We all know that the UK weather can be unpredictable, so choose furniture that’s specially designed for outdoor use. Look for products that are crafted from water-resistant materials such as aluminium, synthetic rattan, polypropylene and treated woods. UV-protection is also a good idea, as it means that colours won’t fade and furniture will stay looking great throughout the season.
Offer suitable shelter and heating: To make your terrace a welcoming destination all year round, you need to offer your guests protection from the elements. Large commercial parasols (also known as jumbrellas) and awnings will shield against the sun and light showers. During cooler months, patio heaters are a welcome addition, or complimentary blankets are a thoughtful touch that will enhance comfort and cosiness.
Don't forget to reflect your brand and remember finishing touches: Your terrace should be an extension of your indoor aesthetic and brand as a whole. Although it’s outside, it should feel connected to your venue’s interiors and the flow between the two should feel natural.
It’s the finishing touches that elevate a good customer experience to a great one that they’ll tell other people about. Providing small, practical amenities like hooks for bags, easily accessible menus or QR codes for ordering, and water bowls for four-legged friends will make a difference. And sensory elements like fragrant plants, atmospheric lighting, and soft music or the subtle sound of a water feature will enhance the ambience.
Choose complete outdoor dining sets
To save you time and effort, we’ve put together some of our bestselling outdoor dining chairs and tables as complete packages. All designed to elevate your outdoor space and add elegance to your al fresco dining offering.
Shown here: Futani Dining Set, Georgia Rectangular Dining Set, Arini Dining Set
Consider Outdoor Fixed Seating
Outdoor fixed seating, in the form of banquettes and booths, is ideal for taking full advantage of your outside area. For hospitality businesses, it's a popular choice, that helps to maximize covers and boost revenue by creating a welcoming external environment, significantly enhancing the atmosphere and functionality of your space.
At Eclipse, we offer a variety of durable banquette seating options suitable for outdoor use, including upholstered and non-upholstered styles. Our service includes taking your initial ideas and assessing your site if required. We’ll then create our design concepts and quotation for your approval. Once you’re happy, we'll manufacture, deliver and install your new fixed seating, managing the whole project and keeping you up to date every step of the way.
Get in Touch…
At Eclipse Furniture, we offer a wide range of high-quality, commercial-grade furniture designed to enhance your outdoor spaces. Contact us today on 01452 336 520 or email sales@eclipsefurniture.co.uk for a complimentary consultation and let us help you choose the furniture for your business.
