3 Ways to Unlock Your Outdoor Dining Space's Profit Potential

With over half of Brits preferring to dine outdoors in the summer, it’s clear that dining al fresco is as popular as it’s ever been. After all, who doesn’t enjoy the feeling of a delicious meal outside with the sun on your face and a gentle summer’s breeze in the air?

As a restaurant, café, or pub owner, you'll know just how important it is to seize every opportunity to boost profits. Making the most of your outdoor dining space is one of the most effective ways to do just that – it's an easy way to attract new customers, enhance the al fresco experience, and encourage repeat visits, ultimately leading to higher revenue for your business. But of course, it's not always easy to know where to start!

If you're looking to upgrade your outdoor dining space but aren't sure how to go about it, let us be your guide. Read on to discover 5 helpful tips for unlocking the profit potential of your outdoor dining space!

1. Keep your guests comfortable with proper shading

We all know how unpredictable British weather can be. A scorching hot day can turn into a blustery rainstorm in no time, so making sure your outdoor space has proper shading is key to keeping your guests comfortable rain or shine.

The midday sun can be just as uncomfortable as a squally shower, leaving us sticky and sunburnt instead of wet and cold. This is especially a problem for older people and children, as overheating can pose a real health risk.

Thankfully, there are plenty of shading options available. Retractable awnings are an ideal choice for smaller patios, while giant umbrellas and parasols work well for larger areas with spread-out tables and chairs. If you'd like to take it a step further, you can even opt for grandiose pergolas – these offer a high level of versatility, often featuring retractable or rotating roofs to precisely manage sunlight and protection.

At Broadview, we specialise in designing and supplying premium made-to-measure shading solutions for hospitality businesses across the UK. Our range includes remote-controlled awnings, pergolas with sliding glass or retracting zip screens, and much more, meaning we have the perfect shading solution for any outdoor space. The best part? All our solutions are fully customisable, from their colours to their features, giving you complete control over their appearance and functionality. They're the perfect way to enhance both the beauty and practicality of your outdoor space!

2. Let there be light

Everyone likes eating al fresco when the sun's out, but when the sky starts darkening it can quickly send people heading for home. However, sundown doesn't have to mean the end of service.

You can encourage people to stay longer by making sure your outdoor dining space has proper lighting systems in place. There are countless options out there, from ground-height garden lamps to wall-mounted lanterns, with each having its own unique charm. Make sure to match the style of your lighting with your overall aesthetic – fairy lights can add a touch of magic to a rustic patio, for example, while LED spotlights complement a modern design beautifully.

Want to kill two birds with one stone? Our shading solutions can be installed with integrated lighting strips, allowing you to shield your guests from the elements while providing ambient lighting. Not only do they look elegant, but they'll save you space and money on standalone lighting systems!

3. Use heaters to turn up the temperature

It's no secret that hospitality businesses can struggle in the winter. Bringing in the same number of guests as in summer can be a challenge, especially when the temperature really dips – trying to eat with numb fingers is a lot less enjoyable than basking in the warm summer sun!

Luckily, the solution is simple: strategically placed heaters. These will allow you to create warm pockets where your guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks with their friends while escaping the cold.

Our shading solutions can have subtle electric heaters built into their design, just like the lighting options we offer. They allow you to warm up your dining space with ease, with the option to switch them on and off manually or use a remote control to activate them from a distance. They're the ideal way to keep your guests sticking around in the evening and throughout the night!

Transform your outdoor dining space with Broadview's shading solutions

Ready to turn your outdoor dining space into the ultimate al fresco destination? Look no further than Broadview!

Our premium shading systems are designed to withstand the harshest British weather. Crafted from durable, UV-resistant materials, they're built to last decades of use and wear and tear. With a perfect fit tailored to your space, they offer a high level of protection without interfering with your business operations. Best of all, they're fully customisable – select from a wide range of models, match colours to your branding, or even have your company logo printed on them. The possibilities are endless!

Whether you're looking for a major overhaul or just want to add a few parasols, we're here to help. Get a quote online or call us on 01202 679 012 today!