Outdoor Seating Areas for Your Business

Glass Balustrades For Today, Tomorrow and Forever

Restaurant Seating & Outdoor Businesses

Increasing revenue is an ongoing challenge in the competitive world of cafes, restaurants, and other hospitality venues. Adding outdoor restaurant seating is one of the most effective strategies to attract more customers and enhance profitability. This expands a business’s physical capacity and improves the overall customer experience, creating a win-win situation.

Outdoor seating for pubs, cafes and restaurants provides a unique dining environment that appeals to a diverse range of customers, from those who enjoy fresh air to those who seek a scenic view. Studies indicate that businesses can see an income increase of up to 30% by incorporating outdoor furniture.

This guide covers everything you need to know about outdoor restaurant seating areas to maximise revenue, customer satisfaction, and operational efficiency.

Sources: Fast Casual, Morning Advertiser, World Coffee Portal

Benefits of Outdoor Restaurant Seating

2. Better Customer Experience

Outdoor restaurant seating creates an inviting and enjoyable environment, offering customers a refreshing change from typical indoor dining. Many patrons prefer al fresco dining, especially during pleasant weather. The combination of fresh air, natural light, and a relaxed setting contributes to a more memorable experience, encouraging repeat visits. Adding elements like comfortable seating, stylish glass balustrades, and greenery can elevate the space and make it even more appealing.

Types of Outdoor Seating Areas

Choosing the right type of outdoor seating depends on the nature of your business, available space, customer base, and overall brand image. By understanding the different seating options, you can create a welcoming, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor restaurant or bar area that complements your business goals and enhances customer experience. You also need to consider what you’re able to achieve with your local planning authority.

Rooftop Seating

Rooftop seating is an innovative way to utilise unused space and offers customers a unique experience with panoramic views. A rooftop terrace is popular among urban restaurants, bars, and hotels, providing an exclusive atmosphere that attracts patrons looking for something different.

Benefits

Scenic Views: Creates an upscale dining or socialising experience with beautiful cityscapes or natural surroundings.
Event Hosting: Great for private events like parties or corporate gatherings, providing an additional revenue stream.
Ambience: Offers a quieter, more serene setting, especially in busy city centres.

Considerations

Structural Integrity: Ensure the building can safely support rooftop seating by conducting a structural assessment.
Safety Measures: Implement secure railings, non-slip flooring, and adequate lighting.
Planning Approval: Ensure compliance with building regulations.

Ideal For

Restaurants, bars, hotels, and corporate offices looking to offer a distinctive setting for dining or social events.

Garden Seating

Garden seating makes the most of green spaces to create a tranquil, inviting atmosphere. This is perfect for businesses with outdoor gardens, courtyards, or patios.

Benefits

Natural Ambience: Surrounded by greenery, providing a relaxing customer experience.
Customisable Layouts: Flexible, movable furniture adapts the space for different group sizes or events.
Decorative Elements: Enhance with lighting, plants, and water features for a unique look.

Considerations

Weather-Proofing: Choose weather-resistant furniture to ensure durability and minimal maintenance.
Landscaping: Use plants and seasonal flowers to maintain vibrancy year-round.

Ideal For

Cafes, pubs, tea rooms, boutique hotels, wellness centres, and spas aiming to provide a serene, nature-inspired setting.

Pavement Seating

Pavement seating is a classic choice for cafes, pubs, and small restaurants in busy urban areas or high streets, offering a casual, engaging outdoor dining experience.

Benefits

Customer Engagement: Encourages people-watching and interaction with the community.
Increased Foot Traffic: Attracts passersby and creates a lively, welcoming environment, especially if you’re serving food.
Versatility: Easily adapted for different group sizes, from small bistro tables to communal seating.

Considerations

Safety and Compliance: Use planters or barriers to define the area and protect customers from street traffic.
Weather Protection: Install umbrellas, canopies, or awnings to provide shade and shelter.
License: Obtain a pavement and/or seating license for using public pavement space. The UK Government’s website says: “The permanent pavement licences process retains the streamlined consent route for businesses to obtain a licence to place removable furniture, such as tables and chairs outside of cafes, bars, and restaurants quickly. Local authorities may charge up to £500 for first-time applications and £350 for renewals. Licences can be granted for up to 2 years.”

Ideal For

Cafes, small restaurants, pubs, and retail stores with food and drink offerings, especially in high-traffic areas.

Courtyard Seating

Courtyard seating utilises enclosed or semi-enclosed spaces, providing a private, sheltered outdoor area that can be tailored for various occasions.

Benefits

Privacy: Outdoor restaurant seating offers an intimate setting for private dining or small gatherings.
Customisation: Flexible to theme-specific décor and layout changes.
Weather Control: Can be partially covered or heated for a controlled environment.

Considerations

Layout: Plan seating arrangements to maximise space and comfort.
Lighting: Use strategic lighting for an inviting atmosphere, especially in the evening.

Ideal For

Restaurants, cafes, hotels, and event venues seeking a more secluded, customisable outdoor experience.

Patio or Deck Seating

Patio or deck seating is versatile and can be tailored to suit various business types, providing a functional outdoor space for dining, meetings, or social events.

Benefits

Versatility: Can accommodate different furniture styles to suit the desired atmosphere.
Durability: Built to withstand outdoor conditions, reducing maintenance costs.
Multi-Use: Suitable for dining, hosting events, or informal meetings.

Considerations

Shade and Shelter: Incorporate umbrellas, pergolas, or awnings for weather protection.
Flooring: Use durable, slip-resistant materials for safety.
Rodents and cleaning: Be careful when planning your deck areas, you should consider how you’ll clean and manage the spaces underneath and what steps you’ll take to reduce the risk of rodents.

Ideal For

Restaurants, cafes, pubs, retail spaces, and corporate offices looking for a versatile outdoor seating option.

Pop-Up Seating

Pop-up seating is a flexible, temporary option, perfect for businesses wanting to test outdoor restaurant seating before committing to a permanent setup. You can usually find companies online that offer pop-up tents for parties or events and festivals to support anything you want to try.

Benefits

Flexibility: Allows experimentation with different arrangements, locations, and themes.
Cost-Effective: A temporary setup is less expensive, providing a trial period before permanent investment or provide you with a long-term plan if you’re not able to use/store your outdoor furniture in winter times.
Easy Storage: Lightweight and portable furniture is easy to store when not in use.

Considerations

Permission: Ensure you have the necessary permissions, even for temporary installations.
Brand Consistency: Select furniture and decor that align with your brand’s style.

Ideal For

Cafes, food trucks, pop-up bars, retail spaces, and seasonal businesses testing outdoor seating concepts.

Picnic Areas

Picnic areas involve setting up picnic-style tables and benches, offering a casual, communal outdoor dining experience. They’re ideal for large spaces and family-friendly venues.

Benefits

Casual Ambience: Creates a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that appeals to a broad audience.
Cost-Effective: Picnic tables are generally affordable, durable, and can accommodate multiple guests at once.
Low Maintenance: Built for outdoor use, they require minimal upkeep, making them a practical choice.

Considerations

Space Requirements: Picnic areas need more space than traditional table setups to allow comfortable seating and movement.
Shade: Install umbrellas, canopies, or natural shade from trees to provide comfort in different weather conditions.

Ideal For

Pubs, beer gardens, family-friendly cafes, casual dining restaurants, and parks offering communal outdoor dining spaces or outdoor events.

Maximising Revenue with Outdoor Dining Spaces

Invest in High-Quality Furniture

Comfortable, durable, and visually appealing furniture is key to creating an inviting outdoor seating area. Customers are more likely to stay longer and return if they find the seating comfortable. Choose materials that can withstand the elements, such as weather-resistant cushions, teak, or glass balustrades. These investments can pay off in the long term by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Thoughtful Seating Arrangements

Arrange tables and chairs thoughtfully to avoid overcrowding and ensure easy movement. Incorporate a mix of seating options, like benches, individual chairs, and communal tables, to cater to different group sizes. Adding shade elements, such as umbrellas or pergolas, can provide comfort during sunny days and enhance the dining experience.

Create a Seasonal Al Fresco Menu

Designing a seasonal menu with fresh, cost-effective ingredients can enhance the appeal of outdoor dining spaces. Seasonal specials like summer salads, spring vegetable platters, and themed cocktails can attract customers seeking high-quality, unique dishes. Regularly updating the menu keeps customers intrigued and encourages them to return for new offerings.

Engaging with Different Customer Demographics

Family-Friendly Zones

Create a family-friendly outdoor area by including high chairs, a kids’ menu, and even a small play area. Soft flooring and engaging decor can make the space more appealing to parents and children alike.

Pet-Friendly Patios

Consider setting up a pet-friendly patio with water bowls, pet treats, and designated areas where pets can comfortably accompany their owners. This addition can attract pet owners looking for accommodating outdoor dining areas.

Smoking and Vaping

Creating an outdoor seating area doesn’t necessarily mean you’re providing a space for smokers or vapers. While some customers may expect to smoke or vape outdoors, it’s entirely up to your business to set clear boundaries that align with your brand and the atmosphere you want to cultivate. This is especially important for outdoor restaurant seating, or other businesses serving food.

Consider designating specific smoking areas away from the main seating space or opting for a completely smoke-free environment. Clear signage and communication with your patrons can help set expectations and maintain a pleasant experience for all guests.

Hosting Events and Leveraging Social Media

Host Private Events

Renting out the patio for private events like birthday parties, corporate dinners, and baby showers can generate additional revenue. Flexible furniture arrangements allow for different setups, making the space versatile for various occasions.

Create In-House Events

Organising regular in-house events such as live music nights, themed dinners, or charity fundraisers can create a vibrant atmosphere and attract a steady flow of patrons. Partnering with local artists or musicians can enhance the appeal of these events and help establish your venue as a central part of the community.

Use Social Media for Promotion

High-quality photos of your outdoor seating area shared on social media can attract a broader audience. Create photo-friendly setups with attractive backdrops and props to encourage customers to take pictures and share their experiences online. Use hashtags like #AlFrescoDining or #PatioWeather to increase visibility.

Embracing Technology

Enhance Customer Service

Use handheld POS devices to streamline order-taking and payment processing, reducing service time and improving customer satisfaction. Consider adopting digital menus or QR code ordering systems, but ensure your demographic is comfortable with these technologies.

Measure Success and Gather Feedback

Analyse sales data related to the outdoor seating area to understand its impact on overall revenue. Track metrics like the number of orders, average spend per customer, and customer retention rates. Gather customer feedback through surveys or direct conversations to identify areas for improvement. Adjustments based on this feedback can enhance the outdoor dining experience and meet customer expectations.

Do you need planning permission for outdoor restaurant seating?

While many UK councils have relaxed planning restrictions for outdoor seating, it’s essential to check the specific requirements in your area. The rules vary depending on factors like your location and the type of seating you intend to install. Contact your local council to understand what’s required and ensure compliance.

Covid 19’s impact on outdoor seating

In recent years, outdoor seating has had a significant impact on bars, cafes, and restaurants in the UK. One third of UK cafes, pubs, restaurants and bars have outdoor spaces available, which have now become a permanent fixture on high streets thanks to government legislation. A survey by World Coffee Portal indicated that nearly 60% of UK coffee shop consumers want expanded outdoor seating to be a long-term feature. This highlights the positive influence of outdoor seating on customer preferences and potential business growth.

Following the pandemic, hospitality businesses added around 17,000 extra outdoor seats for ‘Al fresco dining’ in England. Over 3,300 fast-track applications were submitted by businesses seeking to extend their seating onto streets, with more than 2,000 approvals granted. This expansion has been crucial in increasing customer numbers and offsetting revenue losses caused by social distancing and indoor restrictions.

These insights show that outdoor restaurant seating and al fresco bar spaces allow businesses to accommodate more customers and play a key role in attracting passing trade. Outdoor areas enhance the overall customer experience, enabling a range of UK businesses to make the most of seasonal opportunities.