Make your venue work hard all day!
To make the most of your hospitality business, and increase custom and revenue, you need to attract guests throughout the day, not just be the go-to for the occasional evening meal out.
But according to Google, fine dining is seeing a decline and has become more exclusive and expensive for customers. However, people are going out to eat and drink - recent data shows that 47% of Britons dined out in 2024, a rise from 24% in 2021 and that 69% of diners in the UK now prefer venues offering outdoor seating and alfresco dining.
Cost-conscious consumers are looking for relaxed dining that offers value for money but still feels like a treat and is an experience rather than just a quick bite to eat. And there’s a shift in when people are going out – data from Opentable suggests that brunch has skyrocketed in popularity, with breakfast and brunch bookings up by 65% in the past two years. While weekends are most popular, brunch is becoming an ‘everyday meal’ for some, with week days quickly catching up. There has also been a notable increase in bookings to eat between 4pm and 6pm, particularly among younger demographics.
Shown here: Futani Armchair and Parisian Table Top
Why bistro furniture has all-day appeal
The word bistro conjures up Parisian pavements lined with effortlessly stylish folk, enjoying simple food in the sunshine, great wine, and strong coffee! At the heart of this enduring aesthetic lies bistro-style furniture, a classic that has graced hospitality spaces for over a century.
Its continued popularity isn't merely a matter of style; it's a testament to the perfect blend of practicality and elegance. There’s a relaxed vibe that’s inherent in bistro furniture. Chic, but laid back, it often marks a venue that has an enticing, yet reasonably priced menu, and an easy-going atmosphere. It’s the sort of place you could meet your friends for breakfast in the morning, have a late lunch or coffee with a colleague, a romantic dinner for two in the evening, or enjoy delicious cocktails as you watch the sun go down.
Today, bistro furniture continues to thrive, adapting to modern tastes while retaining its core appeal. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly integrate into any setting, from a cozy corner café to a stylish gastropub, or high-end hotel terrace. Whether you're aiming for a relaxed indoor bistro vibe or enhancing your outdoor space with laid-back charm, we’ve got a wide range of bistro-style furniture on offer. Discover the perfect look to enhance your venue…
French Bistro Style
The quintessential Parisian café aesthetic is popular for a reason! The look consists of classic French style furniture such as bentwood or rattan chairs and tables with cast iron bases and marble tops. French bistro style is all about relaxed sophistication – it evokes romance and European charm – a timeless, refined look that would suit cafés, patisseries, boutique hotels and outdoor terraces.
Shown here: Futani Armchair and Parisian Complete Dining Table
Modern City Bistro Style
If your venue is sleek and chic, then modern city bistro style could be just the look you're after. If you're a contemporary café, urban restaurant, hotel lobby, or rooftop bar in need of effortless sophistication, choose a mixture of wood and metal furniture with clean lines and compact, lightweight designs.
Shown here: Holz Golden Oak Table Top, Moderno Dining Table Base and Luca Armchair
Relaxed Rustic Bistro Style
If the vibe you're going for is laid-back, but cozy and inviting, a rustic take on bistro style will bring warmth and character to your venue. Think distressed wood, natural leather and robust metal accents. This look creates a comfortable, lived-in feel for craft breweries, gastropubs, farm shops, and bakeries.
Shown here: Prisma Armchair and Linden Square Dining Table
Al Fresco Bistro Style
There's nothing better than enjoying al fresco dining on a hotel patio, café terrace, or gastropub garden. If you're looking to create an inviting outdoor space with curb appeal, bistro furniture that's been designed for outside use is a must. Durability is key, with weather-resistant and UV-protected furniture top of the list. But you don't need to compromise on style or sustainability – we’ve got ranges of polypropylene chairs and tables that are cool, contemporary and fully recyclable.
Shown here: Extrema White Table Top, Evo Table Base and Elizabeth Chair
What else can attract customers at off-peak times?
So, bistro furniture can help to attract guests throughout the day, but what else could you do to draw in off-peak custom? Here are just a few ideas…
• Offer 'Early Bird' or 'Late-Night Owl' specials, with specific menus and prices for early breakfasts and late dinners. A loyalty scheme with off-peak bonuses such as extra points for visits made during less busy times could also be a good idea.
• Make your space work harder by marketing it as a co-working space on weekday mornings, or a cozy place for reading and crafts in the afternoon. And think about hosting unique events and workshops such as local beer tasting, coffee brewing classes, or board game nights.
• Make 'Happy Hour' more than just discounts on drinks. You could include special prices on starters, sharing platters, or a selection of desserts to encourage a higher spend per customer.
Need help choosing the perfect bistro furniture?
Classic bistro furniture will never go out of style. It's a reminder that the appeal of simple, elegant design, like a good bottle of French wine, is timeless.
At Eclipse Furniture, we offer a wide range of high-quality, commercial-grade furniture designed specifically for the demands of the hospitality industry. Contact us today on 01452 336 520 or email sales@eclipsefurniture.co.uk for a complimentary consultation and let us help you choose the perfect bistro furniture for your business.
